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Web-based application OR downloadable application. Help me choose pls!

by Alp Bozkurt
9 replies
Hi fellow warriors!

I decided to do what I'm strong at : software production.

I've come up with a brilliant software idea. But I'm not sure about the way to do it. I can create the same application online or offline. Both have some benefits for me and the end user. Help me choose pls.

Option 1: Web-based app sold through monthly membership fee. Bug fixes, limited usage through different membership and price levels, resudial income good for me. Easy setup, free upgrades, low monthly fees, membership levels etc good for the user. Resudial income for affiliates.

Option 2: Downloadable app sold with one time big payment. Big payment regardless they use the app or not, good for me. Unlimited usage good for the user. Big affiliate payout good for the affiliates.

Which one do you think will provide the best overall bottom line?

The product will make use of the PLR articles and will have best use via a PLR membership site.

As with any IM product, I'm sure that %90 of the people will not use it effectively whether the product is good or not.

Your thoughts are very important for me! Thanks!
#application #choose #downloadable #pls #webbased
  • Profile picture of the author Jared Alberghini
    My choice would be #1: Web Based App (although it certainly depends on the type of app you are developing)

    This option is what the 'big boys' are choosing... just take a look at the 'web apps' that google offers...

    The major upside to this is you have full control over updating your software, without needing all of your customers to download the new desktop version every time you update it... you just upgrade your app on the server and everyone gets instantly updated.

    Not to mention not having to develop a desktop app that is compatible with all variations of windows or macs...

    It just seems like the way to go for the future... web based apps.

    Just take a look at g.ho.st virtual computer, and other services like it...

    - Jared
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  • Profile picture of the author dogisland
    Option 1 for me too. As a businees you'd be able to sell it on for a much higher multiple of earnings (if you wanted to) when you have residual income.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alp Bozkurt
      Originally Posted by dogisland View Post

      Option 1 for me too. As a businees you'd be able to sell it on for a much higher multiple of earnings (if you wanted to) when you have residual income.
      Oh your point is awesome! I hadn't thought about that.

      How many multiples of the montly net earnings are average for such a business? . Say it needs little to no maintenance..

      And how the "monthly net earning" is calculated? Just last months earnings or the average of last X months' earnings?
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  • Profile picture of the author Devan Koshal
    Web Apps + their fun to make...or it might just be me lol
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  • Profile picture of the author Arine Mark
    a. if you have enough investment for servers and maintenace. go for 1, else 2
    b. if you think your niche last long. go for 1, else sell it at its peak. The price should be around N prev months net earning multiply by 10.
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  • Profile picture of the author imaddict
    I'd also go for option #1. Aside from what everyone else mentioned, if you make it a desktop app. it will be hacked and posted on torrent sites as soon as it gets popular.
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    • Profile picture of the author coolWebsites
      Well, I am an expert at software development.

      If you can do it totally webbased (i.e., php/mySQL I'm assuming is what you are using), then yes, probably webbased is the way to go. However, if it is a popular service, you should note that it is a lot easier for people to find exploits and 'rip' you off than say with a compiled app. And yes, I would say it is easier for recurring income.

      Usually the only time you do a desktop app is when there is functionality that you cannot incorporate into a web-based script. For example, if you were writing Microsoft Excel add-ins, or some kind of 3-D modeling software. However in your case, it sounds like you can do a totally web-based, so I would probably do it that way.
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      • Profile picture of the author radhika
        Web-based.

        * You will have more control over it like adding/modifying features, accesses to members.
        * You wll get continuous recurrent income.
        * Refunds can be handled easily.
        * Software will be on your server, so maintanence will be easy. You will take care of software problems as such.
        * You can extend your software functionality by integrating into other software.

        .
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  • Profile picture of the author bgmacaw
    I've been looking at a hybrid approach myself using web services.

    People could have a 'limited features' downloadable app they could use independently. I could sell it at a low price or even give it away for free. I could create the same type of program as a free, web based, app using the same basic logic and design. But, to get the extra functionality, they would need to subscribe to the service in either case.
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