Articles > FileMaker Pro
By Kevin Hammond, Database Development Services, Inc
Posted on March 22, 2008
Do you have a FileMaker solution that you built from the ground up and you are considering selling the application in the marketplace? We have managed multiple applications in industries and have experienced what you will likely run across and can prepare you to maximize your success.
1. Licensing
You must ensure the users pay for your software. Decide a price point and how you want to sell your software. As open source allowing the buyer to customize using Filemaker Pro, or whether you plan to maintain the code and provide the end users license keys to use your software.
Open Source
You give the software to the buyer in FileMaker Pro file format once they purchase the software. You will likely need to provide a trial version or a more simplified version of the software for free or in trial mode. The advantage of open source is you do not need to maintain their software. They are likely to customize the software and anytime they want to buy an upgrade or a new version of your product they will need to make the necessary customizations again.
Proprietary Software
This approach requires you to give the user a key to use the software. You may distribute as a runtime, and also distribute in a server-client environment.
You must consider how you plan to offer upgrades and/or maintenance so users can always upgrade to the latest version when new versions are released. We have deployed a Maintenance Server that when users 'Check for Updates' determines if their is a new version available and if the user is licensed for upgrades.
2. Purchase Methods
How do you plan on getting paid for your software. Many options are available but you must setup the infrastructure to receive credit card payments and even allow for onlne purchases.
3. Marketing
How do you plan on selling your product and marketing your software? Traditional methods include trade shows, trade magazines, and online marketing. Do you plan to offer online demo's of your product? Do you plan on doing demo's over the internet using technologies like GoToMeeting and Yugma? Ensure you have a plan to market your solution to your target market.
One thing is for sure, if people are looking for software people are likely to do this on their computer where they can install the software. So make sure you are visible online in the search engines especially Google.
4. SWOT Analysis
Ensure you understand the marketplace and where you fit in your market. Do a Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis on your product in comparison to the industry you are targeting.
5. Support
How do you plan on supporting your software and your users? This can range from online forums for users to collaborate, to a support toll free number, to an online support request form. There are many options for you to chose.
Many times support will feed your development and you must maintain a project list prioritized for your developers. The development in return turns into new version releases and/or upgrades. Support is crucial for your long term success and will help improve your product over time.
Do you want to learn more about resaling your application? Read the article, 50 great tips on taking your product to market. I'll leave you with one more tip, GREAT EFFORT = GREAT REWARD.
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