The Worth Of Computer Software
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Topic(s): me,computers
2006-12-14 02:03:02 PST
Working at a technology start-up company has allowed me to learn so many valuable bits of information. Some of them in the core technology arena, but most of them not. I learned something this week that's just so totally backwards from everything I've thought about software pricing for consumers.
A computer software application's worth is a self-fulfilling prophecy. By that I mean, consumers feel that a software's worth is proportional to the price tag.
In retrospect, I should have caught on sooner. Think about all the free (as in $0.00 free) goods available as an alternative to the high-dollar goods. OpenOffice in place of Microsoft Office, Firefox in place of Internet Explorer, GIMP in place of Adobe's Photoshop, and albeit a stretch Linux in place of Microsoft Windows.
Logically, it would seem that the free applications would win over consumers. Obviously, that's not the case.
I must admit that I can somewhat relate. Sometimes I go for the more expensive goods. Like when I'm at a pharmacy, with a stuffy nose, sore throat, and plugged ears. Of course there's the $9.99 pharmacy special generic brand cold relievers. And there's the $16.99 name brand cold relievers. Even though I know they have 99% common active ingredients, I'll choose the name brand almost every time. Why? Because I don't want to risk it.
While I'd never base a software application's worth on the price tag, nor would a pharmacologist base a cold remedy's worth on the same.
There's also some name brand recognition to factor in somewhere. I'm willing to pay more for Tylenol Cold And Sinus than, say, Uncle Pap S. Mear's Magic Cold Remedy, even if they're functionally the same.
Pulled eFingers: |
Stacey —I've never thought about software that way. Honestly, I haven't been exposed to OpenStuff. I think for me, it's what I am used to. |
Hich Hicker —The interesting thing is that some people also like to pay for the free stuff. For instance, I have seen people paying for different version of Linux in Fry's while they can download it free of charge. |
Lori —In regards to OTC medication.. as I understand there little bit of variation that exists between generic and name brand matters to some people because of personal reactions to those ingredients. So even if Tylenol Cold and Sinus works for one person, the generic version may not... that is just what I read somewhere and not from personal experience. |
Eric —Lori, I agree with everything you said except for your last sentence. As you're buying your next laptop, keep in mind that $200 of that is for Windows XP. |
Stacey —Merry Christmas, Eric! |
vien_na_boy —Merry Christmas from Bangkok. |
takky48 —hello how are you ? from Bangkok |
Eric —Hey, thanks! I have no idea who you are! Merry Christmas! |
Exercise Your eFinger: |
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