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Shareware is a good way to
market software. It allows consumers to evaluate an application prior to
making a purchase decision. They can easily determine if it meets their
business or personal needs, which usually results to a satisfied
customer. In addition because shareware companies are often small they
can provide personalized service that is not found in larger companies.
Shareware also allows for instant gratification, there is no need to
wait for a shipment. Consumers can download and use the software
immediately.
Freeware vs. Shareware.
As you know shareware
is a marketing method for software. Freeware is also a way of marketing
software. However, freeware is free so the developer does not ever
request any money. Shareware is free to distribute but cannot be used
for an unlimited amount of time, unless the developer is paid. Freeware
can be used an unlimited amount of time and can be freely distributed;
payment is not required. Many developers use freeware to draw attention
to their shareware applications.
What is software
piracy?
There are several kinds
of software piracy. One kind of software piracy is hacking into software
and disabling the copy protection. Software pirates then distribute or
sell the hacked software. The developer does not receive any money for
the software the hacker distributed. This is an infringement on the
developer's copyright.
Another technique used
by hackers is to illegally obtain a registered copy of software. Pirates
purchase the software once and use it on multiple computers. Purchasing
software with a stolen credit card is another form of software piracy.
Unfortunately there are many kinds of software piracy that has slowed
the industry's growth. In order for developers to continue to develop
software and provide support the software needs to be profitable.
Registration
Incentives.
A registration
incentive is something that makes the person using the shareware version
of the software want to buy. There are a number of incentives developers
use to encourage users to buy. One popular registration incentive is to
limit the time of the trial version. This is clever because then the
user can't use the shareware version forever. It encourages them to buy
the software so they can continue to use it when the trial period is
over.
Often shareware
versions will have "grayed out" features on the menu that the consumer
can see, but not use. Typically there is a pop-up windows in the
software encouraging users to register in order to take advantage of the
additional features. This is a popular registration method because if
the person wants to do more things with the program, then they are
forced to buy the registered version of the software.
Another innovative
registration incentive shareware developers use allows customers to
receive discounts on other software once they have purchased the
registered version.
Developers also provide
support incentives. The shareware version of software will have
everything the registered version has, however, if a person buys the
registered version of the software he/she will receive tech support,
newsletters, and upgrades. Developers can also limit the number of times
you can use the shareware version of the product. The trial version may
expire after 10 uses meaning the user has to register if they wish to
continue using the software.
Shareware now and how
the term changed.
Though the meaning of
the term shareware has not changed the perception of shareware has
evolved since it began. At first when you had a shareware program there
was a note that asked for a donation. Now you are required to pay for
the registered version of the shareware program. The shareware industry
has also evolved and grown into a billion dollar industry.
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