To understand what a demo version of a software product is, let's go a little deeper into the field of finance. The fact is that the IT industry of software was not always as popular as it is now, and did not always have enough money to exist. In the early stages of the development of personal computers, development teams were very short of funding. Because of this, developers had to invent, in addition to their main product, also new business models by which they could earn at least something.
Many people are still afraid to buy software, fearing that they will not find the functionality they need there. In order to solve this issue and interest more potential buyers, a business model was created, which meant selling a free demo version before selling. The definition of this concept is the following: it is a limited version of the software product in terms of functionality, time, or volume of use. If you want to find out the translation for the phrase “demo version”, you will find that a piece of “demo” here means an abbreviation from the word “demonstration”, that is, showing the product’s capabilities to the public.
Why release demos
The first thing to clarify is that all software demos are free by default, with rare exceptions. This is done in order to attract a new audience and introduce users to the product. Sometimes, when it comes to a service that is available by paid subscription, its “demo” can also be paid. But at the same time they make the price symbolic. Usually this is one dollar for the first month of use. Such a period of time should be enough for the user to get acquainted with most of the functionality of the system and decide for himself whether he should buy full access, or an annual subscription. The price of one dollar for the demo version can sometimes also be left due to the prevention of the abuse of resources that, for example, the cloud computing service can offer.
What are the demos
The service of a free or shareware trial period is provided not only by developers of computer systems. In fact, the range of application of this tool is much wider. Here is a short list of industries that also use demo versions to promote products:
- computing programs and systems for desktop personal computers;
- software for mobile devices;
- computer, console and mobile games;
- music (demos of songs, instrumental tracks);
- Movies (movie trailers, trial screenings of movie fragments and individual scenes);
- other.
How demos differ from a full product
"Demos" very often disappoint people who try to use them on an ongoing basis. But these people forget that the demo version, the value of which is to provide trial access, was not created for regular use, but only for acquaintance and subsequent purchase, or, on the contrary, refusal from further operation. The reason for people's anger is usually the fact that a number of restrictions are imposed on the demo version, sometimes very annoying, which sometimes even push away from the purchase. These restrictions are usually as follows:
- Time limit for use. Software can work a certain number of days, after which it requires a purchase.
- Truncated functionality. In this case, developers usually leave the interface of the program the same as in the full version of the product in order to familiarize the person with the full list of features.But at the same time, the most popular functions are not included in the program package.
- Limit on the amount of data processed. For example, the Nero Burning ROM DVD burning program in the free version will record no more than one hundred megabytes of data on a CD.
- Introductory fragment. If we are talking about music, or cinema, the demo version can be a 30-second fragment of the song, or the trailer for the film. This is enough to make it clear to a person whether he wants to see the full movie, listen to the whole song, or not.
- Paid trial access. Services operating on the model of paid subscriptions can charge a nominal fee for temporary access to their entire data library or to the entire range of functions.
Shareware
There is also a shareware business model that is very similar to what a demo is. The term shareware denotes a model for providing software on an initially free basis, but with the need to make payment after a certain point in use. This model was very successful for simple 2D-games with quests, where the user was first interested in the plot and tasks of the game, after which they asked for payment to provide full access to the plot. The “warmed up” audience made the payment much more readily, therefore such a business model turned out to be very successful.
findings
What is the demo version, you now know and can realize how much it is a coup for both developers and users of computer systems. After all, the first get more sales, and the second - the opportunity to get acquainted with the software product and find out for sure whether it is suitable for current tasks.