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

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.

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Tuesday, April 18 2006 @ 12:13 AM PDT