Collecting data on your software usages
Hi all,
Something came to light today, regarding software vendors who are collecting anonymous info about how their software is being used:
Crazy Mass Effect 2 Stats and What They're Used For - PC Feature at IGN
This game company is collecting info about things like "percentage of customers who choose a male character v's female", and "what percentage of people use facial customization", etc.
This helps them create new games that better match people's wants and needs. The customer wins.
But is the idea of "big brother" too much of a negative influence today?
If your software usage was totally anonymous, would you be happy for the company you bought from to collect data from you for their own internal future development uses?
I know as a software creator, I would LOVE to have that kind of information at my fingertips, and I know the people that would most benefit would be my customers.
But is the "big brother" label too much? Is this kind of data collection before its time?
I have no doubt that this is the future of software development. It's a win-win for everyone involved, but as users, would we accept this kind of thing?
I'm curious about people's opinions!
cheers
Sam
Something came to light today, regarding software vendors who are collecting anonymous info about how their software is being used:
Crazy Mass Effect 2 Stats and What They're Used For - PC Feature at IGN
This game company is collecting info about things like "percentage of customers who choose a male character v's female", and "what percentage of people use facial customization", etc.
This helps them create new games that better match people's wants and needs. The customer wins.
But is the idea of "big brother" too much of a negative influence today?
If your software usage was totally anonymous, would you be happy for the company you bought from to collect data from you for their own internal future development uses?
I know as a software creator, I would LOVE to have that kind of information at my fingertips, and I know the people that would most benefit would be my customers.
But is the "big brother" label too much? Is this kind of data collection before its time?
I have no doubt that this is the future of software development. It's a win-win for everyone involved, but as users, would we accept this kind of thing?
I'm curious about people's opinions!
cheers
Sam