Re: Software cost
Hi RF Simulator,
well, we all buy what we need to by, it is the way of doing things and living in a real world. Yes, you are right, the software companies have to earn money and someone will have to pay for it.
However, I know for sure that certan, highly rated company making and selling top class of EM planar simulator will adjust a price to enable legal usage of its software in the countries not on the top of technology ladder and certanly not on a top of economic welth, but full of capable and creative engineers. It is sold for 20% (!!?) of original price. And there is still profit in this price. So, imagine the profit coming from the full price. Yes, I am very sure the profit is enormous and that the price is based on the estimate what the user is able and willing to pay, not anything to do with costs etc at all. It is a direct consequence of the targeted market - still promissing mobile phones, deffence etc. have enough money to pay any price. The final customer eager to play games, take and email photos and enjoy funny ringtones will carry that bill to the counter.
I don't think cutting edge PC workstation costing 6000 euro is something a houswife would appreciate wery much.
Anyway, my point was the support fee and bizare level training that comes with basic purchase to stimulate companies to go for it and buy it. Any additional training comes with the price too.
Speaking about some, not all of the available products, once you have enjoyed successful demonstrations and gave the money to have the software, you might be slightly disappointed with its reall capabilities (simulating in real time and testing on a real problem). Then support will advice you to get more memory or to go with non-housewife workstation. And you will. Yet again, you might end up disappointed! And you will come back to them. Yeah, this is very poor but we are aware of it, it will be improved in the new version. Please buy it and get support! We will teach you how to draw for free!
flyhigh