Small Business Users Perspective, Performance vs. Price
Why did I buy Alpha 4 ver.5 ?
I had an sub application which was programmed by the supplier of our accounting package. No, it didn�t do quite what we needed and further revisions would be expensive. Alpha 4 ver. 5 allowed us to design �exactly� what was required without a SINGLE line of programming. Admittedly, it lacks polish and bullet proofness (my word), but damn it works the way I want it to.
I have had the privilege of testing A5V5 and from little my pea brain has absorbed, it is a further quantum leap in non programming systems development. Is it worth the asking price of $ 349.00 ? Well, considering my billing rate, it doesn�t even equal a days billing. Also considering what can be accomplished in one days effort using Alpha 4.5 or 5 vs. conventional programming $ 349.00 is cheap at twice the price. (Selwyn & Richard, don�t get any ideas).
True, at the moment Alpha lacks a certain robustness and advanced features that other databases offer. But in truth, could I utilize those features without the requisite genies to assist me. For that matter, do I want to spend the time & effort = MONEY to become proficient in their use. From all reports Alpha is working on client server, web based applications etc. One would expect the same ease of use for these applications when they are announced.
A 10 user run time price of $899 is equates to 90.00 per station while a 20 user run time amounts to $ 55 per station. Sounds quite reasonable particularly when this cost may be further reduced if multiple clients are involved. My only monetary concern is what I perceive to be a missing pricing niche for the small business user who does NOT plan to distribute an application. I may be incorrect but I have always assumed that one of Alpha�s largest claims to fame was it fulfilled the niche I have described above. If the application is to run on 2 or 3 stations AT ONE location only the up charge is major. If I understand it correctly, 2 options exist.
1. 3 pack at $849 = $283 / station or
2. 1 Pack at $349 plus a 10 runtime pack at $899 = $1249
= $625 for 2 stations or $ 416 for 3 stations.
Please bear in mind I also have to pay in Canadian dollars, so multiply all above figures by 1.6.
Perhaps Alpha could revisit this scenario by providing a 3 or 5 pack runtime plus 1 full version to reduce the cost for the small user who does not plan to distribute his application.
Looking forward to V5.
John
Why did I buy Alpha 4 ver.5 ?
I had an sub application which was programmed by the supplier of our accounting package. No, it didn�t do quite what we needed and further revisions would be expensive. Alpha 4 ver. 5 allowed us to design �exactly� what was required without a SINGLE line of programming. Admittedly, it lacks polish and bullet proofness (my word), but damn it works the way I want it to.
I have had the privilege of testing A5V5 and from little my pea brain has absorbed, it is a further quantum leap in non programming systems development. Is it worth the asking price of $ 349.00 ? Well, considering my billing rate, it doesn�t even equal a days billing. Also considering what can be accomplished in one days effort using Alpha 4.5 or 5 vs. conventional programming $ 349.00 is cheap at twice the price. (Selwyn & Richard, don�t get any ideas).
True, at the moment Alpha lacks a certain robustness and advanced features that other databases offer. But in truth, could I utilize those features without the requisite genies to assist me. For that matter, do I want to spend the time & effort = MONEY to become proficient in their use. From all reports Alpha is working on client server, web based applications etc. One would expect the same ease of use for these applications when they are announced.
A 10 user run time price of $899 is equates to 90.00 per station while a 20 user run time amounts to $ 55 per station. Sounds quite reasonable particularly when this cost may be further reduced if multiple clients are involved. My only monetary concern is what I perceive to be a missing pricing niche for the small business user who does NOT plan to distribute an application. I may be incorrect but I have always assumed that one of Alpha�s largest claims to fame was it fulfilled the niche I have described above. If the application is to run on 2 or 3 stations AT ONE location only the up charge is major. If I understand it correctly, 2 options exist.
1. 3 pack at $849 = $283 / station or
2. 1 Pack at $349 plus a 10 runtime pack at $899 = $1249
= $625 for 2 stations or $ 416 for 3 stations.
Please bear in mind I also have to pay in Canadian dollars, so multiply all above figures by 1.6.
Perhaps Alpha could revisit this scenario by providing a 3 or 5 pack runtime plus 1 full version to reduce the cost for the small user who does not plan to distribute his application.
Looking forward to V5.
John
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