Dear Group,
I've read the "interview" with SpaceClaim marketing by Mr. Folini. I can't imagine a better way to discredit a product than speaking to a marketing guy. I would have wanted to hear a tech guy to say actually what is so great about this program.
I would like to see why Mr. Folini "conducts" his interviews. I just can't imagine that he is doing this great service for mankind, so we know about stuff (his). So, Mr Folini, what is the business model you are using? Is it the exposure of your website? Or marketing software, like SC? Please let us know, I think I am not the only one who wants to know this.
Obviously the cornerstone of SC "strategy" is to make you believe that selling something which is apparently not going to be yours is a good idea. It should be this simple: I OWE the freaking thing if I've paid for it or just give me the illusion that I do. The users are not stupid. Mr. marketing tells us that the users have the power, because we just wouldn't upgrade . And of course we are illegal from that moment on, which he forgot to emphasize. The users doesn't like this, is that clear? It is already bad enough that you cannot sell your software license (apart from special conditions). The time expiry idea is a step further. The software industry fought this out for themselves. I think next time I buy a car I actually not going to be the owner of it, just license the usage. (Imagining for a second that I am a CEO of a big car company, it seems like a GREAT idea. Of course as a CEO I would be a bit out of touch with reality, but who cares, I'll get my bonus with options anyway.)
This kind of prepaid marketing has a very simple name: blackmail. I've already paid a large sum therefore I am going to upgrade. Instead the user who had a look will not even sign up.
As for technicalities. Parametric modelers are great most of the time. At least they force out a tiny bit of thinking from the users part. Yes, they are also a burden when it comes to editing. The little bit of intelligence built into the models is actually very useful most of the time. I think both the interviewer and interviewee are out of touch with reality.
I would be careful letting everybody fiddle with the design downstream from the design office. Easy editing, etc. It is about as limited as the kernel which this whole thing is built upon. For me the simple fact that it is built on ACIS is an outright turnoff. Especially knowing how much it has been developed since $$$desk bought it. Or it was perfect, no need for further development... Or just the press is a bit, well....quiet about it.
And promoting easy editing... This reminds me of "direct modeling" features of SolidWorks. They have their place, sometimes they are outright great. However, they are not for universal use. One still need to build the model somehow before actually modifying it. So far feature based modeling is the proven tool for this.
So I don't see the SpaceClaim revolution. Did I miss something? Please let me know.
Regards Attila