I have mentioned some tips and observations in the past about purchasing software. I have to bring it up again since I read a great article in Purchasing about it. The first line in the e-mail summary was a classic. "Buying software is like buying any other tool—except it’s different." Software buyers everywhere must be nodding in agreement.
I don't know how those magicians as Microsoft (MSFT) convinced the world that software "bugs" are acceptable. What other product would you ever purchase and accept that it didn't work properly? Try this on for size, "I bought a new washer and it doesn't work on spin cycle, but the manufacturer promised they will come up with a fix for it in a few months." Consider, "Our new lamp doesn't always turn the bulb on and light the room, but I heard on a chat forum that other people have made theirs work by opening up the lamp and readjusting the wires themselves."
Would you think any of that sounded reasonable? I hope not! Yet, when it comes to software, it seems like anything goes from a consumer point of view and it is not much better from a professional buyer's point of view either.
See Buying Software - Part 2.
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