UDG raised an interesting subject this week regarding supporting customers in a particular region of Switzerland. This is a continuation of the same thought.
There is a problem with being a "brilliant, productive, software developer", operating as a "one man band". I, like many others, have operated in this manner for more than 25 years, and now face the problem that my customers, although very happy with my products, are concerned about on-going support. What happens if you have an accident? What happens if you die? etc etc. This problem needs a solution.
I have thought long and hard about this, and conclude that the answer cannot be as simple as "go get some staff". (Where do you find staff with the brilliance and imagination that you possessed in creating your masterpieces?). And how can you even employ another person when you can hardly financially support yourself and family? And, am I willing to share my special ideas with strangers ?
The idea that UDG raises, goes towards solving the problem, by creating a conglomerate of like minded people, who can support each other. How each person is rewarded for their input, I am not so sure of, but somewhere in this concept, there has to be an answer. There needs to be continuation of support for much wonderful software developed out there, so that it continues to "live", even if the original author has decided (or been forced) to give it all up. I, personally am actually at the threshold of seeking similar collaboration, with some of my own projects, which have been developed in VB6.
A bonus to creating a collaboration for support, may be that the software may find new markets, which in turn will provide new income streams.
There is one way that removes a lot of questions. Create software which is sold via a website only, with support via email or internet chat only. My mobile telephone supplier operates like that (Circles.Life Australia) - You cannot physically speak to anyone directly, other than by internet chat. There is actually NO PHONE NUMBER. How many people in that company ? No one knows. BUT, if you create a wonderful website, you can present yourself as large, successful company, while in the background its is only you and your cat ! (Obviously your software needs to be A Grade and provides exactly what it says it does).
I am interested to hear what other programmers, facing a similar dilemma, see as a solution to this problem that faces many, many of us.
There is a problem with being a "brilliant, productive, software developer", operating as a "one man band". I, like many others, have operated in this manner for more than 25 years, and now face the problem that my customers, although very happy with my products, are concerned about on-going support. What happens if you have an accident? What happens if you die? etc etc. This problem needs a solution.
I have thought long and hard about this, and conclude that the answer cannot be as simple as "go get some staff". (Where do you find staff with the brilliance and imagination that you possessed in creating your masterpieces?). And how can you even employ another person when you can hardly financially support yourself and family? And, am I willing to share my special ideas with strangers ?
The idea that UDG raises, goes towards solving the problem, by creating a conglomerate of like minded people, who can support each other. How each person is rewarded for their input, I am not so sure of, but somewhere in this concept, there has to be an answer. There needs to be continuation of support for much wonderful software developed out there, so that it continues to "live", even if the original author has decided (or been forced) to give it all up. I, personally am actually at the threshold of seeking similar collaboration, with some of my own projects, which have been developed in VB6.
A bonus to creating a collaboration for support, may be that the software may find new markets, which in turn will provide new income streams.
There is one way that removes a lot of questions. Create software which is sold via a website only, with support via email or internet chat only. My mobile telephone supplier operates like that (Circles.Life Australia) - You cannot physically speak to anyone directly, other than by internet chat. There is actually NO PHONE NUMBER. How many people in that company ? No one knows. BUT, if you create a wonderful website, you can present yourself as large, successful company, while in the background its is only you and your cat ! (Obviously your software needs to be A Grade and provides exactly what it says it does).
I am interested to hear what other programmers, facing a similar dilemma, see as a solution to this problem that faces many, many of us.
At the other hand is someway secure... But if the code is on hands of end-customer - that means can bypass you anytime... you are loosing...