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-Microsoft
Office Standard Edition 2003 Upgrade-
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Junk e-mail filtering and blocking of
unsafe attachments
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Backward compatibility with older versions
of Office programs
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Automatic backup and recovery of documents
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Create professional and effective documents
using Word
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Access, analyze, and display data with
Excel spreadsheets
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Microsoft
Office Professional Edition 2003
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Analyze and manage business information
using Access databases
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Exchange data with other systems using
enhanced XML technology
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Control information sharing rules with
enhanced IRM technology
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Easy-to-use wizards to create e-mail
newsletters and printed marketing materials
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More than 20 preformatted business reports
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-Adobe
Acrobat 6.0 Professional-
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Create PDF files with the click of a
button from Microsoft applications and AutoCAD
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Convert and combine application files
into one compact PDF file in a single step
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Create lists of reviewers and track
the feedback you receive
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Create interactive electronic forms
that can be completed and submitted online
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View two areas of a large drawing simultaneously
by using a split-pane view
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-eMerchant
pro-
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Three-month Web site hosting services
and domain-name registration
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Lets you create shopping carts with
automatic notification of placed orders
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Allows cataloging of thousands of inventory
items or services
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Automates receipt and tracking of your
online orders
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Includes credit card processing with
built-in SSL security certificates
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-Microsoft
Project 2003 Standard-
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Organize your work more effectively
with new scheduling tools -- Track schedule and resource changes to yourproject
plans quickly
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New display options lets you show individuals
the project information they need to review
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Increase your impact at work and create
better presentations to print compelling and succinct copies of schedules
and goals
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Move information easily between Project
2003 and other Microsoft Office programs, such as Excel
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Updated interface and new templates
available for downloading, make this version of Project the most user-friendly
ever!
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-Microsoft
Visio Professional 2003-
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For IT professionals, engineers, and
developers
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Provides the most comprehensive technical
diagramming and drawing tools available
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Create and share complex information
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Allows for software diagramming and
reverse engineering
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Great for building, space, and floor
plans
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-Microsoft
SharePoint Portal Server 2003 (5-Client)-
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Develop an intelligent portal that seamlessly
connects users, teams, and knowledge
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Integrate information from various systems
into one solution
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Enable teams to publish information
in their sites to the entire organization
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Search file shares, Web servers, Microsoft
Exchange Server public folders, Lotus Notes, & more
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Licenses for up to 5 users
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From
An Insider’s View These Items Are A Must Before Making The Decision To
Purchase Any Off-The-Shelf Software For Your Business by: Brett
Johnson
1. What determines the software price?
Is it Per Seat or Per User or Per Processor?
The cost of software is determined
in many ways. The two most popular ways are Per Seat or Per Concurrent
User. Per Seat is determined by how many seats in your business will be
using the software at any given time. On the other hand, Per Concurrent
User is based on a set amount of users that can access the software at
one time. (Example: concurrent users means a program with a license for
5 users can be installed on 100 machines but only a maximum of 5 people
can use the system at once.) Per Processor is calculated on how many machines
(PC’s or servers) the software will be running on. Many larger enterprise
software applications use this method to determine their prices.
2. What types of on-site services
are included in the purchase?
Many programs that are higher in
price should include some amount of on-site services or support. If it
does not, ensure that both (service & support) are built into your
contract before purchasing. But, beware that this is the area where companies
make most of their profit. Some companies count on your returning with
requests for customizations of the software. Now that you have the software
and have spent significant time purchasing hardware and dedicating resources,
they know you are already “half way in the pool”; they also know that you
will have trouble refusing to pay extra money to get what you want. These
services can include anything from training classes, customizations, or
help with installation issues. In the case of local software companies,
keep in mind they should automatically provide some sort of on-site services
(at a minimum) before purchasing. This can only help to streamline your
implementation process and increase the likelihood of your success, with
the added benefit of a higher return on investment (ROI). Who wouldn’t
like to have that?
3. Is there a guarantee of satisfaction
with their software?
This is most widely overlooked when
purchasing software. Sometimes unsatisfied users will expect a refund after
deciding that it is not what they want. My experience has been that once
the developer receives payment for software, it can take next to a miracle
to get a refund of any kind. Prior to purchasing your next piece of software,
be sure to find out their return policy and number of days that you can
have the software in your hands and still be able to send it back to get
a full or partial refund. With custom-developed software it can be even
trickier for the buyer, you will need to build this into the contract before
work begins. It goes without saying how important it is to determine this
up front in case you change your mind.
4. What is the turnaround time for
getting “bugs” fixed?
Some companies will say that they
will fix software issues as soon as you find one. There are others that
will compile the list of “bug” fixes and release it on a scheduled basis
convenient for them. This can happen either monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly
or yearly. Neither path is better or worse, as long as you are dealing
with a reputable software company that stays true to their word. Knowing
this before purchasing the software allows you to better handle your software
end-users and enables you to provide a more accurate time frame of when
your users will see changes or have their issues resolved.
5. How often do program updates go
out and do they notify customers?
This is another widely overlooked
key item. There are two lines of thought that companies can use for updating
customers. The company might decide not to notify its customers at all
when updates rollout. They may think that if the customer has a problem
they will contact them. At that time would they inform the user of an available
update? Beware of this method of service, or lack there of. Steer clear
of companies that do not provide this as an option to their clients. The
second line of thought would be for the company to notify its customers
regularly about updates. They may also offer an option of including the
customer on a mailing list. In this case be sure that they have multiple
contacts that are on the email distribution list so that everyone who should
know will not be left out of communications loop. If the software company
does not offer either one of these options, you might want to reconsider
your decision.
6. Is the proposed software scalable
in design?
Software that is scalable in design
simply means that it can easily grow with your business, at minimal cost
to you. Factors include end user customizations, current database structure,
and inputs and outputs like reports, and connectivity to your other database
systems. Scalability is very important for small businesses, because they
are dynamic in growth. No one wants to jump through hoops of testing, development,
customizations, and training, to purchase software only to find out a year
later that you have outgrown it and you need to replace it. With proper
planning at the time of purchase only you can increase your chances for
a successful software experience.
7. Can the system be customized to
meet your business needs?
If you require customizations to
the software to meet a specific need, a good rule of thumb is that it should
be no more than a 1/3 of the price of the software price. Never forget
that many times software companies will negotiate with you on customization.
As a customer any software company worth your time should want to keep
you happy. In some cases there may need to be some give and take by both
parties. A good rule of thumb would be to always discuss your needs with
management directly. Gatekeepers tend to drag their feet at times. Purchasing
software knowing that you will need to make major changes should be a sign
that you really need to take a step back and look at all of your options
including: in-house development, outsourcing, and partnering with software
developers to cut the price.
8. What are the typical hurdles that
you can expect with your planned installation?
No matter what generation (e.g. 1yr
2nd version, 10 yrs 4th version, etc…) the software is currently in, the
software company should at least be able to warn you of the hurdles that
they have experienced in implementations they have done. If not, this should
raise a red flag for you. The software company should be keeping track
of this type of information, especially if they are constantly attempting
to improve their products. You will find that they sometimes run into the
same issues 2 or 3 times before they take notice and take action to investigate
and resolve it before future installations.
9. What are the hours of support
and how does their support department operate?
Whether you are across town or on
the other side of the world, if you need help and support is not available
to you, the only option will be to take the system down for an unknown
length of time and wait for help. Before getting married to a software
company by purchasing their product, find out where the company is located
and if the company has what I define as a “passive” or “active” customer
support system. Follow up with pointed questions like, ”Will you only return
my call at certain hours of the day?”, “Will I have to leave messages and
wait at the phone for your callback?”, “Will I have a direct callback from
a representative or will I be reassigned to someone different every time
I call?”. Finding this information out earlier rather then later should
give you peace of mind when an urgent situation or quick answer is needed.
10. Ask if there is a list of items
that have been requested to be included in the next update of the software.
If possible also request a date of completion for the items on the list.
Before they say no, put them at ease
by letting them know that your goal is to find out what features they might
be including so that you can plan ahead for your business. Chances are
that if someone requested something, you will also be able to make use
of this feature. Also obtaining this list will benefit you in three other
ways:
1. If you know that a feature is
forthcoming, you can notify users beforehand and seek feedback from them
on whether this is something they would like also.
2. If the item on the list is something
you need, be sure that you make it known to the gatekeepers, with emails
or phone calls to the software company to ensure your item is not lost
in the shuffle. This happens more than you may realize.
3. When you are given such a list,
review it carefully. You should be able to determine the direction that
the software company is going. Are they on a path dictated by their client
requests? Are there frequently little items that are minor in nature on
the list? (could be negligible depending on the application) or Are there
obvious items on the list? (If this is the case their testing practices
may need to be reviewed to your satisfaction.) Or are they adding items
in an effort to get you to purchase add-on items that you will never use?
About The Author
Brett Johnson is the principal advisor
for Johnson Advisory Group. His company specializes in providing impartial
purchase assistance to individuals and businesses looking for software
to meet their specific needs. Utilizing his insider’s knowledge to ask
the right questions, get the right answers, resulting in the right decision.
If you would like to learn more about purchasing assistance for your business
software and our supporting workshops or other technology services for
your business, don't hesitate to contact Johnson Advisory Group, or e-mail
Brett Johnson at brett@johnsongroups.com
Courtesy of http://www.ArticleCity.com/
What
is Shareware? by: Dan Housley
What is Shareware?
Shareware is software that you can
try before you buy; shareware is a kind of marketing method for software.
Software developers post trial versions of their software on websites.
Consumers can then download the trial version to their computer and evaluate
it. If the consumer likes the software they can purchase it. Shareware
is also called try before you buy.
Today almost every big software company
including Microsoft, Winzip, and AOL use trial versions or a form of shareware
to market their software.
Why is shareware better than any
other marketing method?
Shareware is a good way to market
software. It allows consumers to evaluate an application prior to making
a purchase decision. They can easily determine if it meets their business
or personal needs, which usually results to a satisfied customer. In addition
because shareware companies are often small they can provide personalized
service that is not found in larger companies. Shareware also allows for
instant gratification, there is no need to wait for a shipment. Consumers
can download and use the software immediately.
Freeware vs. Shareware.
As you know shareware is a marketing
method for software. Freeware is also a way of marketing software. However,
freeware is free so the developer does not ever request any money. Shareware
is free to distribute but cannot be used for an unlimited amount of time,
unless the developer is paid. Freeware can be used an unlimited amount
of time and can be freely distributed; payment is not required. Many developers
use freeware to draw attention to their shareware applications.
What is software piracy?
There are several kinds of software
piracy. One kind of software piracy is hacking into software and disabling
the copy protection. Software pirates then distribute or sell the hacked
software. The developer does not receive any money for the software the
hacker distributed. This is an infringement on the developer's copyright.
Another technique used by hackers
is to illegally obtain a registered copy of software. Pirates purchase
the software once and use it on multiple computers. Purchasing software
with a stolen credit card is another form of software piracy. Unfortunately
there are many kinds of software piracy that has slowed the industry's
growth. In order for developers to continue to develop software and provide
support the software needs to be profitable.
Registration Incentives.
A registration incentive is something
that makes the person using the shareware version of the software want
to buy. There are a number of incentives developers use to encourage users
to buy. One popular registration incentive is to limit the time of the
trial version. This is clever because then the user can't use the shareware
version forever. It encourages them to buy the software so they can continue
to use it when the trial period is over.
Often shareware versions will have
"grayed out" features on the menu that the consumer can see, but not use.
Typically there is a pop-up windows in the software encouraging users to
register in order to take advantage of the additional features. This is
a popular registration method because if the person wants to do more things
with the program, then they are forced to buy the registered version of
the software.
Another innovative registration incentive
shareware developers use allows customers to receive discounts on other
software once they have purchased the registered version.
Developers also provide support incentives.
The shareware version of software will have everything the registered version
has, however, if a person buys the registered version of the software he/she
will receive tech support, newsletters, and upgrades. Developers can also
limit the number of times you can use the shareware version of the product.
The trial version may expire after 10 uses meaning the user has to register
if they wish to continue using the software.
Shareware now and how the term changed.
Though the meaning of the term shareware
has not changed the perception of shareware has evolved since it began.
At first when you had a shareware program there was a note that asked for
a donation. Now you are required to pay for the registered version of the
shareware program. The shareware industry has also evolved and grown into
a billion dollar industry.
About The Author
Dan Housley is currently a student
interning with NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net
developers of SMS and wireless messaging software and Software Marketing
Resource http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com.
