Is Borland using a two-edged sword in battling for sales?; its price-cutting on Quattro Pro is likely to slash future profits
Article Abstract:
Borland International Inc's decision to offer its new Quattro Pro for Windows 5.0 spreadsheet software for $49.95 until Jan 15, 1994, or $39.95 for those upgrading from previous versions and competing products, represents a daring marketing strategy fraught with dangers for the company. While the number-three spreadsheet vendor may convince numerous companies to switch to Quattro Pro from market leaders Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel by dramatically undercutting the usual $500 price for new spreadsheet software, it may never be able to recoup the lost revenue by raising future upgrade prices. Borland will also pay a hefty sum on new customer support in the near term. Borland's price-cutting gambit to achieve greater market share is nevertheless becoming an increasingly common marketing tactic in the software industry.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1993
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Finally, no-mess painting for kids
Article Abstract:
Broderbund Software Inc's Kidpix paint program for the Apple Macintosh is an easy-to-learn, fun-to-use program that is a very good bargain at a list price of $49.95. It comes with a variety of wacky tools and special effects, including sounds, that can keep any child interested. Designed for small children, Kidpix does not have the scroll bars, hidden tool palettes and other complex distractions of 'grown-up' paint programs. On its 'Small Kids Mode,' computer commands that might be accidentally invoked by children can be disabled. Kidpix tools include a pencil for free-form lines, a paintbrush, an electric mixer, a paint bucket, a rubber stamp, a moving van and a small startled face called The Undo Guy. The program works best on a color Macintosh system but is just as fun on black-and-white Macs.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1991
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