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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. |
