home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
The Business Master (3rd Edition)
/
The Business Master (3rd Edition).iso
/
files
/
dataonal
/
diskcon
/
share.sft
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1991-10-15
|
5KB
|
108 lines
INTRODUCTION TO SHAREWARE
There is a whole world of useful software that is not seen for
sale in computer stores. There are programs of every description;
Word Processors, Spreadsheets, Games, Utilities, Education, etc.
Some of this software is faster and more powerful than its
comparable commercial software that costs hundreds of dollars.
This software is not copyprotected; you may copy it and give it to
friends to try and evaluate. And best of all, you get fully
functional programs, complete with documentation, for practically
the cost of a blank disk.
That is the world of shareware or user-supported software. They
are copyrighted programs written in the hope that people will pay
for them on a try-before-you-buy basis.
Shareware authors allow their programs to be copied, shared and
distributed by individuals, user groups, and shareware
distributors so that users get a chance to try software before
buying it.
If you try a shareware program and continue to use it you are
expected to register with the author of the program and pay a
registration fee. Individual programs differ on details. Some
request registration while others require it.
In return for registration, users get, depending upon the author,
anything from a simple right to continue using the software to an
updated program, telephone support, and/or a printed manual.
The addresses and phone numbers of the authors are usually
included on the opening screen or in the document files
accompanying the program.
Shareware was alternately called user-supported software and
freeware. The concepts were essentially the same, but the names
are different.
Shareware is different from public domain in the sense that public
domain authors require no registration and no support is available
from authors.
Shareware is the future of software marketing. Everyone would
rather try out a program before buying it. As the public becomes
more aware of the shareware concept, it will be the only way
people will wish to buy software. Suppose you need to purchase a
spreadsheet program. Conventionally, you had to buy it from a
software dealer, or order it through the mail and pay over $200
for one program. If, after using the program, you discover that
it is not what you need, there is nothing you can do about it. On
the other hand, with shareware you can try several spreadsheet
programs, and then pick the one you like the most and register it
directly with the author for a fraction of the cost.
Shareware offers the ultimate money-back guarantee --if you
don't use the product, you don't pay for it.
This idea of Shareware started in 1982 when Andrew Fluegelman and
Jim Button encouraged users to copy their programs and share them
with others. Many industry leaders at that time thought this idea
wouldn't work and it would go away, but it didn't.
In 1987 there were at least four shareware companies with annual
sales of 1 million dollars or more. These four companies are:
1- QuickSoft (PC-Write)
2- Datastorm Technologies (ProComm)
3- Magee Enterprises ( Automenu )
4- ButtonWare (PC-file, PC-Calc, etc)
The above companies and many other shareware authors have joined
together to form an organization called the Association of
Shareware Professionals. The stated purposes of this association
are:
1- To inform users about Shareware programs and about
shareware as a method of distributing and marketing
software.
2- To encourage broader distribution of Shareware through
user groups and disk dealers who agree to identify and
explain the nature of Shareware.
3- To assist members in marketing their software.
4- To foster a high degree of professionalism among
shareware authors by setting programming, marketing
and support standards for ASP members to follow.
5- To provide a forum through which ASP members may
communicate, share ideas and learn from each other.
If you are interested to know more about the ASP, to
become a member or to be a shareware vendor, you can
write to the following address:
Association for Shareware Professionals
545 Grover Road
Muskegon, MI 49442 - USA
Phone (616) 788-5131
Fax (616) 788-2765
----------------------------------------