[REBOL] Re: SDK
From: rgaither:triad:rr at: 12-Dec-2002 9:22
Hi Lennart,
> Cindy told me it required a license that cost $499 up front and than
> an additional 10% on whatever you make from the distributed programs
> (which of course is best represented by a pointer to NULL when it
> comes to Freeware).
Ah, that clarifies things a bit.
I remember the $499 part but for some reason I made the bad
assumption that buying the SDK included it. That wouldn't make
sense though as that $499 is an annual charge not a one time fee.
I think it applies as an advance on the royalties for that year as well.
>> Seems to me the earlier licensing was a percentage based on
>> income so freeware wouldn't owe any royalties.
>
> Correct, but you have to pay $499 anyway.
Got it.
>> I vaguely remember some discussions about why you would
>> need encap for freeware in the first place but I would like it not
>> to protect my code as much as to package the result into an
>> easy to use .exe file.
>
> No matter the reasons one might have, it's either paying $499 or
> distributing your code as is.
>
> For the sake of completeness I'll summarize the various costs.
>
> * SDK without /Command but capable of encapping apps with View/Pro
> capabilities: $299, at the moment on sale for $249.
>
> * SDK with /command: $499
>
> * Student discount (if you happen to be one and can prove it): 10% of
> the product price.
>
> * Royalty agreement: $499 up front and 10% of whatever you make.
Thanks, RT should take note and make this kind of simple breakdown
part of their web site information. :-)
I am fairly sure that $499 does go towards the royalties for that year
so
while this is an issue in the freeware discussion it is important to
note
it isn't just a flat "fee" if you are doing commercial applications.
Another point is that for those who already own View/Pro I think the
upgrade price is $199, not $249.
One piece that is missing and perhaps isn't defined yet is the cost
(and detailed description) of the REBOL Developer Network. It is
listed as a free trial with the SDK purchase but if it is like any of
the
other developer networks I'm aware of it could be another sizable
annual expense. I hope the trial is for the first year and not some
weak 3 month kind of timeframe. :-)
> Actually, I'd like to see some flexibility when it comes to the last
> part. Perhaps it could be possible to pay nothing, but instead
> agreeing to give RT a higher percentage IF you actually make any
> money. <- This would cater for us "freeware" proplr. Also, one could
> be able to pay a larger amount up front, thus decreasing the
> percentage RT gets. Thus, high initial investment <-> low percentage,
> low initla investment <-> high percentage.
I'm sure RT is willing to discuss any specific options on a case
by case basis. They do need a standard, not too complicated,
contract option which I think what they have fits nicely.
> I don't think RT would lose on it, on the contrary I believe more
> would buy the SDK. As it stands now, the royalty thingy is a
> dealbreaker as far as I'm concerned.
Another option that they could consider for the freeware part is that
you agree to include the powered by REBOL logo/graphic with the
product and any web site access to it.
Overall I agree with Carl Read that the pricing is good from the
commercial perspective. I am very happy that RT listened to us
on the multiple platform pricing.
I will be picking up the SDK for Windows and Linux and (insert
gentle reminder) Mac OS X once it is available. :-)
Rod.
Rod Gaither
[rgaither--triad--rr--com]
Oak Ridge, NC USA
