Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!lll-winken!lll-lcc!pyramid!octopus!avsd!govett
From: govett@avsd.UUCP (David Govett)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: WHAT ATARI NEEDS TO DO...
Message-ID: <92@avsd.UUCP>
Date: 7 Apr 88 16:51:14 GMT
References: <166leigh@byuvax.bitnet> <2059@pasteur.Berkeley.Edu> <81@avsd.UUCP> <48536@sun.uucp>
Organization: Ampex Advanced Technology Division, Redwood City, CA
Lines: 28

> 
> WordPerfect lists for $395 for the IBM PC, Amiga, and Atari ST. They 
> all cost the 'same'. Distributors get a volume discount, they pass these
> on to the dealer and the dealer may sell it for more under list for the
> PC than for the Atari, but that is only because they are moving more
> product. 

    --> True.  Nevertheless, the software cost should be proportional
    to the cost of the computer.  I can buy WP for DOS for under
    $200, but it costs about $300 for the ST.  Since software is
    more important to me, the implicit message is that I should
    switch to the DOS world.

> 
> The Atari User community has to understand that it is impossible to stay
> in business by selling a complicated, quality program for less then $200. 
> 

    --> Are you serious?  Tell that to Borland.

> Atari really has nothing to do with this at all. 

    --> Nonsense.  I used to work at what used to be one of the biggest
    software houses, and I know how critical it is to beg and 
    threaten ISVs to port their software to new boxes.  It is true
    that ISVs probably won't port unless the installed base is
    large enough, but they certainly won't port if they don't
    get adequate support from the box maker.  And I'm not convinced
    that Atari has done what it takes to persuade U.S. ISVs.