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The views expressed in this blog are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
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September 14, 2005
Legal Terms and Beta Software
In a follow up to John Nack's post about Google speaking plainly, I came across some surprising text on Microsoft.com today, when downloading their new Microsoft Codename Max program.
"Because this is beta software*, you might be wondering if it will destroy your computer, erase your data, or cause unnecessary stress. It won't, and here's why:"
"Can you just tell me the system requirements so I can decide for myself? Sure. Here they are:"
It sure is a refreshing change from the traditional two page EULA agreements that people need to read before downloading software (the EULA is still in the install). However, it does seem strange to come from a company that is hitting a mid-life crisis.
Having said that, I do think its better than the 2 1/2 screen legal agreement we have for people downloading Adobe LiveCycle samples.
I did really like the "We are not robots" and photo of the team on the page though. I think that Adobe would start doing more of that: showing off the people who are involved in the programs / software. It gives it more of a personal feeling, and you realize that in fact there are actual people helping develop software and programs, not just developers in front of computer screens all day.
As for the software, I found it pretty unimpressive. I don't know a lot of people in the Microsoft world, and others need to run Windows and Max in order to view your shared pictures. I'll sharing my photos over the web, where others only need a browser to view them.
There's probably a whole other post to be made about the expansion of distributing beta software, but I'll save that for another day.
Comments
The very fine people at Ranchero Software had a public spat (sort of one-sided against them) when a prominent Internet blogger had a problem with a beta version of their system that she had paid for during beta. An update killed huge amounts of stored research. Ranchero updated their beta warning to say, hey, this thing has big nasty teeth and it might eat all your data -- followed with instructions on how to back up all one's stored configurations and data quite easily. They handled the issue well. It's rare that a company charges to be part of a beta, but they had a good beta that lasted a long time, and was a much superior product to the 1.x release. And the company is two people.
How wonderful it is that Adobe folks can now talk openly about stuff like this.
Yes, Microsoft can be pretty responsive as a company - thank goodness Adobe has woken up to this, as the much improved adobe.com site demonstrates.
You're right about personalising Adobe to customers - I always include info on Warnock+Geschke (great techies) and Chizen (great marketing guy) to give clients a feel for the company. Microsoft have Gates, Oracle have Ellison after all...
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