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Registration Incentives. A registration incentive is something that makes person using shareware version of software want to buy. There are a number of incentives developers use to encourage users to buy. One popular registration incentive is to limit time of trial version. This is clever because then user can't use shareware version forever. It encourages them to buy software so they can continue to use it when trial period is over.
Often shareware versions will have "grayed out" features on menu that consumer can see, but not use. Typically there is a pop-up windows in software encouraging users to register in order to take advantage of additional features. This is a popular registration method because if person wants to do more things with program, then they are forced to buy registered version of software.
Another innovative registration incentive shareware developers use allows customers to receive discounts on other software once they have purchased registered version.
Developers also provide support incentives. The shareware version of software will have everything registered version has, however, if a person buys registered version of software he/she will receive tech support, newsletters, and upgrades. Developers can also limit number of times you can use shareware version of product. The trial version may expire after 10 uses meaning user has to register if they wish to continue using software.
Shareware now and how term changed. Though meaning of term shareware has not changed perception of shareware has evolved since it began. At first when you had a shareware program there was a note that asked for a donation. Now you are required to pay for registered version of shareware program. The shareware industry has also evolved and grown into a billion dollar industry.
About the Author: Dan Housley is currently a student interning with NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net developers of SMS and wireless messaging software and Software Marketing Resource http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com .