[Elecraft] N4PY Software WebPage now updated with K2 info

[Julian, G4ILO]

I'm glad to see that someone is actually doing this. Most people who are 
not software developers don't understand the economics of software 
development.

If a program is sold for a one-time fee and offers free upgrades after 
that, the upgrades are being effectively subsidized by later sales of the 
program. In many cases, you still have to pay when a complete new version 
comes out (e.g. v1 to v2). But for a developer who wishes to continually 
evolve his product rather than save all the goodies for a big new version, 
annual licenses are the only way to ensure that updates generate new 
revenue. A lot of business software is licensed this way. Unfortunately end 
users are somewhat resistant to it.

Although there are programs that are completely free, you have to bear in 
mind that most free ham software is developed as part of their hobby by 
hams. So there may be no great desire to add features that the developer 
doesn't personally want, and development may cease altogether when the 
developer loses interest and moves on to something else. Having users who 
pay regularly for updates and support is a good way to keep the developer's 
interest!

If you want professional quality software, be prepared to pay for it!
--
Julian, G4ILO. (RSGB, ARRL, G-QRP)
G4ILO's Shack: http://www.qsl.net/g4ilo

"Robert Parker" <xlr@sympatico.ca> wrote:

I don't mean to be rude but the site requires and annual fee to use the
program!

[snip]