If you are building a business, generalization is not the right choice always
pkuhad — Fri, 07/08/2011 - 12:03
If you are looking for software development for small scale industries then generlization is not the right choice. Even for a group of small scale business requirements are so subtly different that if you design basic thing and ship them with few changes, it proves to be a win win model here. I have seen people using 10 years old dos based programs just because they meet their requirements and they know how to operate them. While discussing with one guy using a foxpro based solution, this idea clicked me. I guess its the point where web based bookkeeping solutions fails :
a) They are centralized, people are unable to put their faith on a centralized server that stores their business data
b) They are generalized, you want to meet 'all' requirements from one point.
c) Accustomed to mediocre software people don't believe in cloud thing.
d) They want 'real' interaction with their data. When they copy and paste their data files to pen drive or take a backup on cd, its that 'reliable' moment that can't happen with web based solutions.
FOSS based solutions are not that capable in this category. Being puristic won't sell them, the first thing that can bring this kind of solution is 'being portable' with windows and easy to install/operate. Understanding 'dont know anything' customer still seems to very hard for foss geeks. And yes it is not a web based arena, it is desktop based.
Generalization is not
Shree Kant Bohra (not verified) — Wed, 07/13/2011 - 09:51Generalization is not solution, but customization of web based solution is much easier than the desktop applications. I don' think that the segment you are talking about even know if they are using 'desktop application' or 'web based application'. It works for them, that's why they are using it.
To get into this segment, I think the best way is to first copy all the features they have in their existing solution and then highlight things like 'virus free', 'no data loss ever, even if your windows system crash', 'daily backups', 'no crash' and other things. You don't need to tell them that it's cloud thing or it's FOSS, it should just work, web based solutions are the way to go for getting into this segment.
>>Understanding 'dont know anything' customer still seems to very hard for foss geeks. And yes it is not a web based arena, it is desktop based.
Why? What is wrong with foss geeks ? This is too much generalization of personal belief.
My $0.02
Generalization is an end user
pkuhad — Wed, 07/13/2011 - 12:55Generalization is an end user point of view, I am not talking from developer point of view. A generalized bookkeeping solution like tally doesn't have that kind of territory in textile businesses in western Rajasthan. It is a fail here for process houses and trading industries, why ? because local accountants don't know how to customize. Even they get placeholders for most commonly used ledgers already in mediocre solutions, they 'love' this 'feature'.
There is no room for internet based solution a) Cost of internet connection is involved , yes it is minor but when they find alternatives for not going for internet, non internet based solution seems good to them b) Speed of internet, that's a major issue if you are targeting a large customer base.
Having virus free is a question more attached to the OS they are using and with no doubt it is windows. Some present mediocre solution present are not portable with newer version of windows, that is the only reason most of them are still on older versions of windows.
Interestingly I sold my oldest PC (celeron / 128 mb ram ) to a local firm because it suits there need so that can use their dos based software and can keep the system 'virus' free. Web based solutions will take a long time to 'disperse' in this kind of environment. An exceptional, customized to local need, portable solution will spread easily. People are ready to pay for good service for any good solution prepared according to their need.
Nothing is wrong with foss geeks, they just don't know how to make a good business keeping the way intact they are, thoughts invited ?