The other day while at the book store, I ran across some accounting software CDs strewn with other CDs and books in garage sale box. How do any self respecting businessman (even a small one at that) pick up a copy of the cheap sale accounting CD from the box for his business to use? He'd think which kind of accounting system is this that would result in a garage sale?...and Get more info 's not even heard of free software yet! If he did, he'd probably figure What sort of software is this that you may just click and obtain it for free on the net? Typically, this thinking ..what sort of..? continues and pertains to the person on the other end - the guy promoting it. It goes what sort of person are you to market a thing that cheap (that results in a garage sale box) if you ask me?. It follows Which kind of company are you representing? Or can you even have a company? Even small enterprises have self respect when they shop for budget items. The guy selling free software tried No sir. That is open source program, extremely popular and respectable. Do you know Apache? It is also free.. Businessman You mean the main one with war paint on his face fighting Custer in the movie?. Because of Hollywood, some things just get stereotyped. For those folks who promote open source applications the aforementioned scenario though hilarious, is not unreal. If we consider it, what do people actually buy from the garage sale box? Probably something for a hobby, say something you intend to learn about but a fresh book costs a bomb. Maybe a recipe book, tai chi not to mention the fast outdated tech books. We're talking about something 'light' or outdated that ends up in the garage sale box. Definitely not for something that's as important as accounting software for any business to use. Perhaps open source businesses need to emphasize on the term solutions rather than free or open source. Package the software right into a decent looking box. Show the client there are costs by itemising, 'software cost' FOC, show a fee for download, copy, packaging, transport and include training, upgrade, email, telephone, etc support services, add them up and show a 'total solutions' cost. Stack the costs up against proprietary solutions and very likely open applications looks an improved option for the client. The idea would be to show that there is a cost for the perfect solution is you are selling - exactly like any other product. The advertising campaign could be capped by putting it as a summer offer - normal say USD400 now only USD199.
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