Re: The Business End of Alpha Software for independent developers
Then this route is totally off the table, for now.
Then you need an arrangement/partnership with a larger Alpha shop to satisfy clients that support goes on...even if you don't!
Do you mean other than having their project finished faster, less expensively, with as much or more functionality?
I think you've just described the business you voluntarily chose to pursue. But, seriously, aren't these all items you would charge for...to make it pay off financially?
You are quite the Devil's Advocate! Perhaps that fact that Alpha has been around for quite some time already is a good selling point, and that they just (within the last year or so) attracted additional capital. Have you ever tried arranging a call between a potential client and an Alpha exec to help allay some of those concerns?
Also, it's not like an Alpha solution doesn't use any "industry standard" components...SQL, Javascript, HTML...is it only Xbasic that really makes it different? My point being, that perhaps the similarities of Alpha to the competition, rather than it's differences can be explained.
I think now you've lapsed into despair, and wished you had gone into carpet sales, or something. I think it's cocktail time now in the Netherlands, so why don't you hoist a cold one and cheer up a bit?!
Are you an Alpha developer and want to work on any company's payroll?
In that case you will need an employer who already uses Alpha and is looking for developers to work for him. In The Netherlands, there are none. And I mean literally: none.
In that case you will need an employer who already uses Alpha and is looking for developers to work for him. In The Netherlands, there are none. And I mean literally: none.
You are an independent developer and produce software you sell.
The more significant your software gets, the more trouble you will have. Customers may need to have something installed to secure their investments if you and your car (God forbid) hit a train tomorrow and die. They will not like to see their investments go down with you. Some kind of escrow arrangement would have to be in place.
People will want to be sure, that if you get ill tomorrow, there still is a developer who can do their updates for you: some kind of arrangement with colleagues might come in handy.
The more significant your software gets, the more trouble you will have. Customers may need to have something installed to secure their investments if you and your car (God forbid) hit a train tomorrow and die. They will not like to see their investments go down with you. Some kind of escrow arrangement would have to be in place.
People will want to be sure, that if you get ill tomorrow, there still is a developer who can do their updates for you: some kind of arrangement with colleagues might come in handy.
You need to convince why people would buy a product developed with something they do not know, and virtually nobody here knows: why would they?
You might only be one developer. You need to design and develop the software. Next thing you know you also need to sell it, and after that, you may need to install it with your customer and might even be asked to be a software trainer because you need to train their employees in using it. Who has that much time on their hands, and how do you get this to pay off financially?
Then there is the vendor lock-in. Your customer is not only buying YOUR product, but also the product of a company they do not know either: Alpha Software.
Your application will vanish into thin air in a year or so when Alpha Software falls tomorrow.
Your application will vanish into thin air in a year or so when Alpha Software falls tomorrow.
Also, it's not like an Alpha solution doesn't use any "industry standard" components...SQL, Javascript, HTML...is it only Xbasic that really makes it different? My point being, that perhaps the similarities of Alpha to the competition, rather than it's differences can be explained.
How do you sell that to your customer? And do you even WANT to sell that if you could?
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