Lynn Fredricks wrote:
-Historically we know that Linux users do not like to pay for software. That
affects assumptions about worthiness of the market, for the vendor and also
for various channels. What is being done to change that perception so one's
own infrastructure isnt sabotaging efforts? Ive seen some efforts on Linux
partnering at REAL so something positive is happening but that may not be a
pervasive feeling in the company.
This is a topic that is of considerable interest to me. I co-host one
of the more popular Linux-centric podcasts (www.linuxactionshow.com) and
we've discussed this (and asked for feedback from listeners) on a few
occasions. The result has been, essentially, this (I'm dumbing this
down and simplifying just for clarities sake):
- Over 50% of our listeners already pay for software under Linux.
Games, gaming helper apps (cedega) and virtualization top this list.
- Roughly 10% of our listeners donate to an open source project on a
yearly basis. (Nearly 80% say they would, but haven't yet.)
- About 20% of our listeners say they would never even consider
purchasing software.
- Of the people who have not purchased software for Linux, but are not
against it, price was never (not even a teensy bit) the issue for not
making a purchase. Their reason for not buying is simply that there's
not many apps for sales... and none of those apps are of interest to them.
- When asked what kind of applications they are seeking (whether
presented with a predefined list or simply asked to give their own
thoughts with no prompting)... most users seem highly interested in
consumer-level applications.
I take away a few key things from all of this:
1) Linux users, as a rule, seem about as willing (from a practical
standpoint) to buy software as MacOS X or Windows users.
2) The small minority of those who would not consider buying software
are the most vocal of the bunch (by a longshot).
3) There has been no single good case of a proprietary application sold
for Linux.
On the REALbasic specific front, I personally have talked to people who
have purchased REALbasic for Windows... specifically because REALbasic
for Linux existed. I also know of people who have purchased RB Pro for
Linux. So it's certainly having at least some impact. I'm not in a
position to say if it's a big impact... but certainly something.
-Bryan
_______________________________________________
Unsubscribe or switch delivery mode:
<http://www.realsoftware.com/support/listmanager/>
Search the archives of this list here:
<http://support.realsoftware.com/listarchives/lists.html>
