Existing users, 
This is the second time I have been burnt by Apple. Apple shipped me Logic Express last year and announced the upgrade the day after I received the package. I was told there was no upgrade path.
I purchased ARD 1 month, 2 days ago. Once again, there is no upgrade path.
I work at a large corporation and we maintain current licenses of software products. However, I can not afford to continue to repurchase software at full price.
I contacted my Apple Sales Rep and he said there was nothing he could do.
I informed him I will be upgrading to Timbuktu (not sure about pcAnywhere yet). I also informed him that as of now, I will no longer purchase Apple-branded software. It is just too expensive.
What has popped into my mind is this: At first I was excited about Boot Camp and Virtualization software. I was thinking it would allow me to use those pesky apps that my corporation forces me to use. Now I am wondering if it will actually set me up for a Switch. I've been die-hard Apple since 1987 -- and now I will have the opportunity to work with Windoze Apps. I am wondering how much harder it will be to justify an Apple Hardware purchase when I am running software available on windows. I have Apple becuase of Final Cut Studio. Well -- it sounds like Adobe is going to offer their suite once again for Apple computers. But why? The justification just gets a little too hard.
For the first time I can imagine a world where I might no longer be using an Apple computer.
Apple Remote Desktop Admin
Remote control to manage Macs.
Version: 3.3
Bad Software Policy -- I am upgrading to Timbukto
Feedback Type: Commentary
Contributed by: roger_webhead Wednesday, April 12 2006 @ 09:52 AM PDT
Product Platform: MacOSX
Used Product For: Less than a month
Recommend Product: NO
Comments
behave well unless you aren't S. Jobs - Ilgaz
What is the deal about calling concerned customers of software as "idiots"?You forgot to mention ARD upgrade price... Which doesn't exist.
You also forgot that if you bought 2.x just 1 WEEK ago, you need to pay $450 to use new version.
Thursday, April 13 2006 @ 05:40 AM PDT
behave well unless you aren't S. Jobs - ConcernedVTUser
Because if you do the math, it is idiotic to say that Timbuktu is a better deal unless you're managing just a handful of clients.You're right, I didn't mention the ARD upgrade cost. It's $499. Timbuktu upgrade cost is 50% off the retail price of whatever version you're buying. So in my 50-seat example, it's still $499 versus $1454.93 to upgrade from one version to another.
Did ARD 2.2 suddenly stop providing the functionlity you purchased it for upon the release of ARD 3? If you want the features of ARD 3 you need to pay for ARD 3, just like if you wanted the features of the next version of Timbuktu, you need to pay for the next version of Timbuktu! Whine whine whine!
I think most of the people who are complaining about ARD 3's cost are sitting at home controlling their PowerMac in the bedroom from their PowerBook in the living room over Airport. Why don't you just get a VNC client? It's free! You don't need the high-end functionality (package distribution, screen sharing, monitoring, reporting, etc) of ARD!
Give me a real-world, multi-Mac (lab, enterprise, etc) setup example where Timbuktu is more economical to purchase and upgrade over ARD. Just one.
Thursday, April 13 2006 @ 11:23 AM PDT
Bad Software Policy -- I am upgrading to Timbukto - NO!!!!!
You are absolutely right - I have looked at Timbuktu and it just doesn't cut it price wise - Once you get in to more than 10 computers the price comparison becomes laughable - ARD is actually very reasonable priced in my opinion - Its just the perception that is the problem here - The clients don't understand that ARD could be twice as much and be a bargain as it saves thousands of dollars in network management productivity gains - Its just that they "perceive' that they have to pay for it again even if days before purchasing ARD 2.2 Its the "perception" of having to pay full price again is what screws their heads - I would happily pay 1k for ARD cause I think its worth it - And then the clients would happily pay the current asking price as an upgrade - Can you believe that?! - Yes they would so long as they don't have to pay full price again - It all in the perception.Tuesday, April 18 2006 @ 12:13 AM PDT
Bad Software Policy -- I am upgrading to Timbukto - ConcernedVTUser
You have GOT to be kidding me. What in the world do you use ARD for? You don't sound like you administer a large number of computers, that's for sure. Timbuktu? Are you nuts?I administer 50+ clients with ARD. That's ONE copy of Apple Remote Desktop for an unlimited number of clients for $499. Timbuktu requires a license for EACH computer you install it on. Let's break down that cost using my example, 50 clients:
30-pack Timbuktu 8.6 for Mac: $1,649.95
10-pack Timbuktu 8.6 for Mac: $629.95 (they don't have a 20-pack)
10-pack Timbuktu 8.6 for Mac: $629.95
Total: $2909.85
$2909.85 versus $499. HMMMM.
Let's say you only have 10 clients to administer:
10-pack Timbuktu 8.6 for Mac: $629.95
10-client license ARD 3: $299
$629.95 versus $299. HMMMM. Hell you could even by the unlimited client version of ARD3 and save yourself $120. Room to grow!
The ONLY way Timbuktu is more cost effective than ARD3 is if you are administering TWO CLIENTS.
Twin Pack Timbuktu 8.6 for Mac: $179.95 (for your 2 client machines)
Single Pack Timbuktu 8.6 for Mac: $94.95 (for your administrator machine)
Total: $274.90
$274.90 versus $299. WHY THE HELL ARE YOU USING ARD AT THIS POINT ANYWAY?!
Let's not forget my original example, 50 Timbuktu licenses for $2909.85. You could have purchased every release of Apple Remote Desktop (at $499) PLUS the next TWO versions (assuming $499 each) and STILL saved money WITHOUT figuring in the cost of your Timbuktu upgrades!
I am surrounded by idiots. Jeeze.
Reference: http://www.netopia.com/buy/timbuktu_download.jsp
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Wednesday, April 12 2006 @ 04:48 PM PDT