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Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

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Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#51

Post by gumby »

In addition to the choices already offered (just give it away or sell it like any conventional piece of software): I would favor your choice of seeing the results.

But don't encrypt the results -- what's the incentive to use the app then? Instead provide value to any user (it collects and saves the results locally), but for a subscription the data collector could upload the results.

Then you have a choice: does the event holder or the competitor (or both) pay to see the results? The fact that you collect them means competitors who compete in different events can see all their results, view leaderboards and the like. You could pretty well automate all that so your involvement would be minimal. I don't understand your domain but without prior knowledge I would think it would be easier to charge the contest holder.

Your model might be something like Strava.

Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#52

Post by Eire_Banshee »

sandGorgon wrote: post #41

Genuine question - why an electron app and not an iPad app (or even iOS/android app) ? Is there a massive amount of data entry that is not suited for an iPad or phone(iOS/android) ? Given the fact that you can probably record the video of the lift using the device camera, plus a few more obvious advantages...wouldn't it be better to do it this way ? Plus your distribution+billing is also sorted (using the Play Store/…

The people that would be using it arent really the ios/ipad type... its hard to explain without sounding like Im stereotyping.

Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#53

Post by Eire_Banshee »

ensignavenger wrote: post #50

If it were me (and you asked how I would do it) I would make the program open source and give it away. I would then build revenue around 1) Accepting donations, 2) selling custom feature development/consulting, 3) Selling additional products and services related to weightlifting. You said that you have no interest in building a business out of it, so maybe you could just work with donations and maybe occasional featu…

Yeah, this approach is still on the table. Id just like to recoup my time _somehow_... even if monetization wasnt the original intent.

Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#54

Post by Eire_Banshee »

kabdib wrote: post #48
NullPrefix wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>your users are not going to be technically capable Did you just assume weightlifters aren't technically capable?

Er, no. Just assuming that weightlifters are a representative sample of the general population. There will, of course, be exceptions to this due to geographies and special-interesting groups ("The Usenix Lambda Lifting Association?"). Also not assuming that weightlifters are the same as the folks running the events. In my experience the people who run events just want software that works, and are unimpressed with pac…

This guy gets its. The software already available is a headache to use and the goal here is to "get out of the users way", so they can focus on running the meet instead of fighting the software.

Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#55

Post by Eire_Banshee »

arielm wrote: post #37

I completely agree with all the comments that suggest a time-based licensed or paying per major version/updates. But have a small suggestion. In addition to offline functionality, can there be any type of online functionality built-in as a convenience? I’m thinking automatic backups when an event ends, sharing results to a portal for competitors to log into later, etc. If there is, you can use a hybrid model and offe…

Yes, definately it will do those things. But it also needs to be 100% capable of running a meet offline.

Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#56

Post by antaviana »

Subscription, not permanent license. You do not want to maintain more than one version, the latest one.

Generous trial. It will help with distribution.

Implement some way to upload competition results to YOUR results server. Make it easy to navigate. If traffic deserves it add some relevant ads.

Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#57

Post by Eire_Banshee »

bostonpete wrote: post #25

> weightlifting events are rarely held at locations with internet. Really? Even mobile networks? Are you familiar with floarena? Seems like a similar idea for wrestling events and it works great online -- allows people both at the event and remote to follow what's going on...

Yeah, but its a poor pitch to say, "Oh, no internet? Just use your phones mobile hotspot." Existing solutions run entirely offline and I need to replicate that experience to get any initial usage of the app... at least outside of my contacts.

Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#58

Post by mud_dauber »

Eire_Banshee wrote: post #23
ebiester wrote: post #3

Sell it like a normal product. This was the way commercial software worked for decades. They buy a license. They download it and register it while connected to the internet. They then take it offsite. Then, have an option to be paid to be on call for support when a meet is happening. That way nobody is surprised if something doesn't work.

I think this is the right answer... not sure why I was so resistive to it. Maybe its the hive mind :p Thanks.

My father used to run HS & college track meets using a SW package he bought online. Same model - buy a license, get updates once/year. It works.

Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#59

Post by quickthrower2 »

ebiester wrote: post #3

Sell it like a normal product. This was the way commercial software worked for decades. They buy a license. They download it and register it while connected to the internet. They then take it offsite. Then, have an option to be paid to be on call for support when a meet is happening. That way nobody is surprised if something doesn't work.

Or it could be a subscription still. Like Slack for example who are also a desktop app on Electron* . The advantage with a subscription is you can charge less upfront, and you are being paid for your maintenance and bug-fixing time, rather than supporting a bunch of people who paid you $50 or whatever ten years ago and still expect updates and support.

* Yes they have a mobile and web interface too, but I mostly use the desktop app anyway.

Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize software that runs mostly offline?

#60

Post by bostonpete »

Eire_Banshee wrote: post #57
bostonpete wrote: post #25

> weightlifting events are rarely held at locations with internet. Really? Even mobile networks? Are you familiar with floarena? Seems like a similar idea for wrestling events and it works great online -- allows people both at the event and remote to follow what's going on...

Yeah, but its a poor pitch to say, "Oh, no internet? Just use your phones mobile hotspot." Existing solutions run entirely offline and I need to replicate that experience to get any initial usage of the app... at least outside of my contacts.

Sure, but your monetization strategy could still be tied to online access/community/etc. -- in other words, you could provide the software to keep track of the event offline for free, but have it connect to a website where people can see results live (when the event supports it), search historical results, and even watch video of the event for a fee (again, if the event supports it).
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