Software
Computer Software
I actually have written commercial software before. One of my most popular programs I wrote and distributed in the late 90’s was a form filler software. The software came in two types, one for the U.S. Federal Government Employment Application. The other was the Commonwealth of Virginia Application. At the time I was marketing the software, internet distribution was something I had not explored. The approach I took for selling my software was done on CD’s at local retailers. Since this was a part-time endeavor, I did mostly after work, distribution was very time consuming for me.
There is a greater amount of overhead when dealing with physical software packages, as opposed to marketing it over a web-based application. The customer support aspect alone was very time consuming when it came to providing updates and fix for errors since the medium was usually sent in the mail. The cost associated with physical software includes, the CD itself, packaging, paper documentation, shipping and handling and professional printing services. Also, with each change in software meant the documentation being change; more printing required.
Given what I know about the internet, the knowledge I have acquired in building websites, and having the means to handle the financial piece of web transactions; the internet is the most effective and efficient means to deliver computer software. Distributing computer software on a web-based platform minimizes cost and materials. Documentation that once was printed on paper can be viewed in electronic files such as PDF or word document. The time and cost of reproducing the CD is eliminated.
Customer support for the software is maximized by providing quick and easy access to online tech support areas, usually allowing downloading of upgrades, and or patches. There also is no expense in dealing with software package returns. The financial aspect of online payments means instantaneous exchange of monies for products. Rapid delivery of computer software and hands free management of funds makes web-based more lucrative as compared to handling bulky CD packages.
on September 20, 2008 on 10:09 pm
I think it is fascinating that you have actually made software for both federal and state government employment applications. I have had very little programming experience; actually what I learned was years ago on the mainframe system at University of Richmond in a course called Basic Computer Programming. In reading your post I thought about how to get started in learning programming and I found a site that sounds very user friendly, http://programmingtips.com. Judah, the TipMaster, and president of ProgrammingTips.com indicates that her site is for everyone, from the professional programmer to the person just getting started who is a “non programmer.” This might be a helpful site, as she emphasizes that she encourages a lot of input from everyone, and wants this site to be a “software development resource.” I just wrote my recent post on the advantages of helping people through the internet with free sharing of technology information, so I was pleased to find this spot for tips. This “site includes articles, opinions, and links to other points of interest on the web” according to Judah. As one of your bookmarks, she suggests adding this site to gain expertise from connections and individuals that represent all levels of experience in computer programming. In adding a comment about distributing through online technology and easy access payments, I would think such resources are unequalled to other alternatives for someone quite busy like yourself where management is almost hands free exept for touching the keys on the keyboard!
on September 21, 2008 on 3:20 am
First and foremost I must say that, as much as I enjoy learning about computer software, I can’t imagine ever actually producing any. I have a lot of respect for people who come up with software in general– but after reading your post and seeing everything else that goes behind distributing it, I think it’s even more amazing.
In response to your post, though, I believe that selling software online is the best way to get a loyal following. Everything is being marketed and sold directly over the internet nowadays. From musicians to authors, people are cutting out the middleman and selling directly to users–so why not computer software?
on December 16, 2008 on 2:36 pm
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