[H-GEN] Re: [SLUG] Re: APC Mag November Issue

[Rachel Polanskis]

On Mon, 27 Oct 1997, Dave Fitch wrote:

> > As for Netscape and Star Office, APC cannot distribute those without
> > permission from Netscape and Caldera respectively, so it's easier said
> > than done.  Maybe in the future...
> 
> but they include the micro$loth (and mac sometimes?) versions of
> netscape at least, why is the linux version any different?

The linux version is "unsupported" software.
You can't buy it from Netscape for any price.
It's a gratis product that can be vanished at any time.
You cannot even donate money to Netscape for the product.

Windoze and Mac versions Netscape anticipates drawing revenue from, 
so that if the software is provided on CD, it is seen in a similar 
light to shareware where the end user is supposed to pay for the 
product after continued use.  There is a small amount of support available
for end users.  Distributing this software on CD increases the market coverage
of the product, and increases the chances someone might pay the price 
for their copy.

Shipping the Linux version on the CD means it does not pay it's way, because 
it technically does not exist as far as Netscape is concerned....

It does not explain why Solaris or DU versions are not shipped, 
except I doubt most Solaris users are particularly interested in 
PC/X86 magazines/products/CDs.

However, if it is any consolation, the Solaris X86 port of Netscape is 
in the same category as Linux - ie unsupported!

Once again, it all comes down to marketing.... :/

rachel

Rachel Polanskis                  University of Western Sydney, Nepean
Asst. UNIX Admin                  PO Box 10, Kingswood NSW 2747
Systems && Operations             Computing && Communications Division K'wood
r.polanskis at nepean.uws.edu.au     Phone: +61 (47) 360 291

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