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The software market is maturing.
Software isn't dead, but it's market is maturing.

That means that the era of double-digit growth is over. The market is changing, and the providers will have to change with it. It has happened to every emerging market. The lesson learned by watching the other markets mature is simple; adapt or die.

For example, lets look at the single most popular software application; Microsoft Office. I have used and supported MSO-95, MSO-97, MSO-2000, and MSO-2003 in our workplace. I have yet to find any real or significant improvements in the suite, not withstanding the unnecessary eye-candy. Certainly there is nothing to justify the huge cost associated with the upgrades.

While it is true that a small percentage of "power users" do need some of the newer features, the overwhelming majority do not. Therefore, they see no reason to upgrade.

This relates directly to the ultimate end-users of the system. So long as it does what they need; it does enough. The computer is there to enable the user and to enhance their productivity. While it does this, people will pay for it.

On the other hand, when they see no increase in capability nor productivity they will balk at paying huge costs for no benefit. This is the real-world response to the greedy profiteering of the mega-corps.

A new balance is being struck, one which includes both low-cost (Sun Desktop) and no-cost (K-Office, Open Office) options. The existing providers must adapt to the changes in this rapidly maturing marketplace.

Regards,
Jon
Posted by: JonathonDoe   Posted on: 10/20/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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This is 100% right on!  bjbrock | 10/19/04
I tend to agree.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 10/19/04
Agreed...  John Le'Brecage | 10/20/04
It is how I do it.  Squawkbox | 10/19/04
do you trust them  V Sanders | 10/19/04
Good honest question  Squawkbox | 10/19/04
When push comes to shove  in-DUH-vidual | 10/19/04
Either the brakes come off or the wheels Will  Chad_z | 10/19/04
Then their is the pay once always stay model.  The King's Servant | 10/19/04
Sorry, Chad. Meant to reply to the story, not you.  The King's Servant | 10/19/04
Your statements are why I love competition  Squawkbox | 10/19/04
This is pure nonsense....  Mike Cox | 10/19/04
6.0  CobraA1 | 10/20/04
Not exactly...  John Le'Brecage | 10/20/04
Not your best  shallow_diver | 10/20/04
The Problem With This  ParadigmOdyssey | 10/19/04
Is software dead?  MyLord | 10/20/04
The huge revenues are dead...but not software  shawkins | 10/20/04
Licensing of software is  sigmascape | 10/20/04
Abuse  Tim Patterson | 10/20/04
The software market is maturing.  JonathonDoe | 10/20/04
Back to the future  wresnick | 10/20/04
Great for Company, Bad For Consumer  coffeenite | 10/20/04
Is the Software License dead?  pjones | 10/20/04
ASPs  Doug_Alder | 10/20/04
It's a form of extorsion!  dkulik@... | 05/06/06

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