And what about software that seems to be an eternal beta and never a finished product?
"Personally, I find it inexcusable that any money has to change hands to give support for an unfinished product that was being sold to customers as if it was a final product," another reader wrote. "Today's product life cycle goes something like this: sell Alpha, patch, patch, patch, sell Beta, patch, patch, patch, RC1, RC2, 1.0, end-of-viable-life-cycle, patch, patch, patch. Any support after they start selling the product for money, but before it reaches an actual release version should be not-for-charge. You think I want to pay you for the privilege of Beta testing your product and pay you for the privilege of reporting a problem? You should be paying me."
So what do you think? Where does the software publisher's responsibility for fixing its bugs -- or security holes -- for free end? Post your comments on my website or write me at Foster@gripe2ed.com.
Read and post comments about this story here.
This whitepaper explains the terminology and concepts behind Data Replication technologies and establishes some sizing rules through worked examples. Learn the new paradigm in disaster tolerance—protect data anywhere.
Download now »
Server virtualization is a popular option for dealing with mounting datacenter costs. Another equally promising approach is the use of an Application Delivery Controller. Citrix NetScaler provides a low-cost way for organizations to reduce their server count and accrue cost savings from a reduction in space, cooling, power and personnel.
Download now »
The emergence of WLANs has created a new breed of security threats to enterprise networks.
Included in HP ProCurve WLAN solutions is security technology that alleviates threats from WLANs through:
* Monitoring wireless activity inside and out of the enterprise
* Classifying WLAN transmissions into harmful and harmless
* Preventing transmissions that pose a security threat to the enterprise network
* Locating participating devices for physical remediation
Effectively address data protection challenges, implementing solutions that help store and protect business–critical data while cutting costs and improving efficiency and reliability.
Download now »
Sign up to receive Business Resource Alerts
Recommend This
