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Code by Kevin: Programming, code, business, and other pursuits

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Kevin Walzer, software developer.

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Back to blogging...and back to business

I've been away from this blog for awhile, but I haven't been idle. New releases of PortAuthority, VuMan and NameFind are coming out very shortly.

You also may notice the new domain name, the new look to the site, and (if you check the application pages) the new look to the applications themselves. You also may notice a lot more applications on the drawing board.

Finally, you may notice a different method of purchasing my software: instead of downloading a separate full version after purchasing, you can use a standard shareware license/serial number to unlock the demo version. This will simplify the upgrade process for my applications; the previous system didn't provide a convenient path to upgrading.

These changes represent a desire to move in a more professional direction with software development. I want my programs to look nicer, work better, and be easier to purchase and upgrade. I'm committing to this as a business. If folks are going to be comfortable parting with their money to use the software I write, then they have a right to expect a serious, committed developer behind his products.

If you read this blog, as well as earlier iterations of my blogs, you'll see a lot of discussion about business models, business directions, business practices, price points, and so on. That reflects my own education in the business of software, which is a distinct topic from the development of software.

I'm at a point now where I am comfortable with the business framework I've created. I understand the benefits of adopting a traditional shareware model, as opposed to trying to blaze new trails with open-source software. (For what it's worth, I still maintain and update a lot of open-source components.) I believe this approach offers the best potential for me to earn good revenue from software development--and in turn continue the development of useful programs.

I've talked previously about sales. How have sales been? Slow, but steady. I see that as a good place to start. My challenge now is to create and support software compelling enough to pay for--software tools that provide maximum value for the dollar. I'm looking forward to it.

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