Andy wrote:
> Software companies use us to test the software, first release (v1.00) full
> of bugs, second release (v1.01) all fixed, but oh dear its v1.01 so we have
> to buy it again as its a new version!
> They send it out faulty as they cannot find all bugs as they cannot create
> all possible working conditions, if they did it would be out of date b4 it
> was released (I don't agree with this mind!)
> Andy.

Unfortunately we are at disposition of the market, it means, software
producers use that argument. "If you don't like the way we work, just go
and search for another supplier".  This is bad and show no respect at
all
to the customer. Want a better example?  Windows95!  It was full of bugs
that "was fixed" at the Windows98, but it was not for free for who
already
paid for the '95, as a "corrected code". So we say, "what a hell, it is
just $90 for the '98 and it comes with more features", and we paid for a
new version, that still carrying more bugs and so on.  Some companies
just offer a "discount" for who already has the previous version, just
as
a way to compensate.  Instead to apply efforts to fix bugs in a software
that is already old and will not generate any more money for the
company,
they just "think" that the customers will accept to live with problems.
They try to solve a list of problems, paint with a new color, apply new
features (with more bugs) and sell again with a new version. If you want
to have the old bugs fixed, need to buy the new version.

I don't agree with software maintenance fee, this is a trick. If the fee
is to keep your software updated with new features and to "try to locate
problems" that you don't want to do it by yourself, that's ok, I saw it
widely at IBM when I was working there, but to send corrections to
bugs???
I don't expect Microsoft to fix problems to Windows3.1 anymore, but for
Windows95 still their responsibility to fix =all= the bugs without
making me feel the necessity to migrate to Windows98.  Doesn't matter
the "fine print" at the agreement, it is their moral responsibility to
make it works nice and smooth, without any "favor" from them.

Using the same comparison to the car business, imagine if you have the
same engine problems 3 or 4 times a week, and the supplier say that you
need to upgrade to the new version (year) that has the problem fixed.
Here in Florida there is a law named "Lemon Car", if it goes to repair
3 times for the same problem and the factory representative can not fix
it, it turns to be a "Lemon Car", and the factory =must= exchange for
a new car. (under the warranty period of course).

I think that specifically in this software case, it cost the same to
send an email to the technical support, company's chair main, or even
a magazine as Byte, Computer Shopper or something like that, or even
to all of above. If you paid for something you not received... it is
your right to have it, or your money back, no discussion, simple.

That's my 3 cents.
--------------------------------------------------------
Wagner Lipnharski - UST Research Inc. - Orlando, Florida
Forum and microcontroller web site:   http:/www.ustr.net
Microcontrollers Survey:  http://www.ustr.net/tellme.htm