FlowStone 3 Pricing
Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:05 pm
We have been reviewing our pricing model for FlowStone 3.
Our original idea was to stick with a rental system. We thought this would have clear advantages for everyone. It would provide a very low entry cost for customers as well as the ability to spread payments. It would also eliminate the need for upgrade fees. For us we'd have a regular income and could deliver updates on a much more frequent basis without having to rely on annual releases. What's not to like?
Well the main issue which didn't sit well with people was that, just like any other service, if you stop renting you stop getting the service. In this case you stop being able to use the full version of the software. Given the low monthly fee it had to be that way but it has become clear that this isn't something that is going to work for most people.
So given that our customers would prefer to own a licence than rent one we will be returning to an ownership model. However, we would like to retain the main benefits of a rental system. We still want to release regular updates instead of annual ones and we also want to keep the entry cost as low as we can.
We've come up with a pricing plan that we hope is very straightforward. There will be an initial charge for the software. This will apply to new customers only so if you already own FS (or sister product SynthMaker) you can ignore this part.
As was said before our intention is to release regular updates (several per year) with substantial enhancements and features as well as any running repairs. To receive these updates you will need to have an Update Support package. These will run for 12 months and within this time you will receive all updates to the software free of charge. If your package runs out and you decide not to renew you will stay with the last version you qualified for. If at some later date you want to get the latest version all you need to do is buy a 12 month Update Support package again and you get that version plus entitlement to any others during the next 12 months.
This is just like paying for an upgrade except that you get to decide when the software has evolved enough for you to take the plunge. After that, just like with most other software upgrades, you get 12 months of updates. However, unlike most other software upgrades the updates you'll get will be much more than just bug fixes.
You can pay annually and always have the latest version or you can choose to wait and jump in when you are happy that enough has been added. By doing things this way you don't have to feel that you're paying for things to come. Above all, if you stop paying you retain the last version that you qualified for - there is no revert to the free edition like there was for rental.
So now for the pricing:
NEW USERS
FlowStone Only = 149 USD
FlowStone + 12 months Update Support = 249 USD
You can choose the low entry option and purchase the current version of the software only for just 149 USD. This allows you to get a taste of the full version but has no updates included in the price. If you like it you can add a year's update support at a later date.
EXISTING USERS
Upgrade to latest version + 12 months update support = 149 USD
There is just one option for anyone who wants to upgrade. All you do is purchase an upgrade + 12 months update support. To keep things simple the upgrade price will apply to any version of FlowStone (or SynthMaker) purchased prior to the FS3 announcement we made on 16th August.
There are a number of special circumstances that need further explanation:
So in summary:
We hope this all makes sense. If you have any questions regarding your own particular circumstances please email us directly.
Any other generally applicable questions feel free to post below.
Our original idea was to stick with a rental system. We thought this would have clear advantages for everyone. It would provide a very low entry cost for customers as well as the ability to spread payments. It would also eliminate the need for upgrade fees. For us we'd have a regular income and could deliver updates on a much more frequent basis without having to rely on annual releases. What's not to like?
Well the main issue which didn't sit well with people was that, just like any other service, if you stop renting you stop getting the service. In this case you stop being able to use the full version of the software. Given the low monthly fee it had to be that way but it has become clear that this isn't something that is going to work for most people.
So given that our customers would prefer to own a licence than rent one we will be returning to an ownership model. However, we would like to retain the main benefits of a rental system. We still want to release regular updates instead of annual ones and we also want to keep the entry cost as low as we can.
We've come up with a pricing plan that we hope is very straightforward. There will be an initial charge for the software. This will apply to new customers only so if you already own FS (or sister product SynthMaker) you can ignore this part.
As was said before our intention is to release regular updates (several per year) with substantial enhancements and features as well as any running repairs. To receive these updates you will need to have an Update Support package. These will run for 12 months and within this time you will receive all updates to the software free of charge. If your package runs out and you decide not to renew you will stay with the last version you qualified for. If at some later date you want to get the latest version all you need to do is buy a 12 month Update Support package again and you get that version plus entitlement to any others during the next 12 months.
This is just like paying for an upgrade except that you get to decide when the software has evolved enough for you to take the plunge. After that, just like with most other software upgrades, you get 12 months of updates. However, unlike most other software upgrades the updates you'll get will be much more than just bug fixes.
You can pay annually and always have the latest version or you can choose to wait and jump in when you are happy that enough has been added. By doing things this way you don't have to feel that you're paying for things to come. Above all, if you stop paying you retain the last version that you qualified for - there is no revert to the free edition like there was for rental.
So now for the pricing:
NEW USERS
FlowStone Only = 149 USD
FlowStone + 12 months Update Support = 249 USD
You can choose the low entry option and purchase the current version of the software only for just 149 USD. This allows you to get a taste of the full version but has no updates included in the price. If you like it you can add a year's update support at a later date.
EXISTING USERS
Upgrade to latest version + 12 months update support = 149 USD
There is just one option for anyone who wants to upgrade. All you do is purchase an upgrade + 12 months update support. To keep things simple the upgrade price will apply to any version of FlowStone (or SynthMaker) purchased prior to the FS3 announcement we made on 16th August.
There are a number of special circumstances that need further explanation:
- Anyone who bought FlowStone (or SynthMaker) in the 3 months prior to 16th August (so from 16th May on) will receive the upgrade free of charge.
- Anyone who buys SynthMaker Professional between now and the release of FlowStone 3 will receive the upgrade free of charge.
- Existing customers on a rental subscription who have already made a payment have the option to keep it but instead of renting they will receive access to the latest install so long as their subscription continues to run. Alternatively they can cancel and buy a 12 month Update Support package. The new pricing is equivalent to the current annual subscription price so nothing really changes for existing annual subscribers except that once we launch FlowStone 3 you will have access to a separate install for the software.
- Anyone who signed up for the free 2 month trial will not have paid anything yet. With the new model there is no monthly option so we will have to cancel those subscriptions. You'll still have use of FlowStone 2 until the end of your 2 month period though.
So in summary:
- No renting, you own and keep the last version you paid for
- Regular updates with new features that evolve the software
- New headline price which is significantly less than the previous price of FS Pro
- Low entry option for those that want to test the water
- Simple 149 USD upgrade regardless of which version you currently own
We hope this all makes sense. If you have any questions regarding your own particular circumstances please email us directly.
Any other generally applicable questions feel free to post below.
