The Business of Software

I saw an announcement for this -- looks like it's probably of interest for a lot of people here.  I've been generally impressed with stuff from Channel9 - some interesting early info from the people who are getting things done.

http://channel9.msdn.com/shows/The_MicroISV_Show

There don't appear to be any actual ESPISODES to view.

Am I missing something?

I do understand that the ISV term came out of Microsoft, and I learned a lot more about it from Bob's book, but this seems a little intrusive to me. 

I know they didn't coin the term MicroISV, yet now they want to master that domain in some way. I don't know that I feel all warm and cozy thinking that Microsoft is trying to become the godfather of independent software companies.  It's as if they are putting me under their umbrella somehow, even though I'm on my own. 

This is just a first reaction however, based on immediate feelings.

"I don't know that I feel all warm and cozy thinking that Microsoft is trying to become the godfather of independent software companies. "

Why not?  9 out of 10 businesses fail, so as long as these small companies are buying a copy of visual studio and maybe a sql server or two before they fail, microsoft is glad to help.  And the ones that survive usually won't be creating something in the domain that competes with MS directly, so it just means more software sold to MS.

>>There don't appear to be any actual ESPISODES to view.

>>Am I missing something?

You're not missing anything, there's no content yet.  This is just an announcement of what will be a weekly show.

As far as I understand, they're looking to line up some conversations w/ micro-ISV's, so for all the people wondering how to get their names out there, this seems like it could be worth a shot.

"...yet now [they] want to master that domain in some way. I don't know that I feel all warm and cozy thinking that Microsoft is trying to become the godfather of independent software companies.  It's as if they are putting me under their umbrella somehow, even though I'm on my own. "

Far from trying to become the "godfather", my intent, as host/producer of this show, is to showcase independent software companies, listen to what they like and dislike about Microsoft and help them get their message out above the noise.

If you're a MicroISV, email me if you'd like to be considered for an interview on the show.  No strings, no agenda other than to have a conversation.

Shhh... they're here :)

> Far from trying to become the "godfather" ...

Damn. I was hoping to ask you a favor on your daughter's wedding day. Anyway, I think it's good that Microsoft is keeping it's ear to the ground and reaching out to small software shops.

So, now that we know you're listening, can we get a .Net linker? :-)

I expect it'll be a win-win situation.

Channel 9 gets to show how small software companies are using Microsoft software to grow their business, and the featured company gets free exposure on a web show that is widely viewed (hopefully by the target market for their products).

Hmmm, the webpage points out that most ISVs are using the "shareware" business model.

Wonder if they will interview those people who have halved their revenue as they are now having to distribute 25 MB .NET sys admin installation files.

Anyone remember the "shareware starter kit" that needed VS2005, would have created a 27 MB download, and needed the latest version of the .NET runtime (which only works on XP SP2, and not SP1 or SP0).

It's so utterly utterly clueless it makes me mad.

I'm not a microISV but if I were distributing software written in .Net, I would NOT include the .Net framework in the installation file but would leverage the web via a website to direct the user HOW to install the file using various links (i.e. a link if you have .Net installed vs a link wherein you don't have .Net installed.)

To better direct the user, I would provide WMA files so that the user could be led step-by-step through this quick process.

You can write a creative executable in .Net < 600KB. IMO, the distributable file should not be much larger than your app's executable size....

So let me get this straight.

There are 2 products.

To install Product A, you click a link. It installs.

To install Product B, you fist need to watch an instructional video on the installation process.

From a business perspective, Product A will have all the sales. If anyone reading this has a MicroISV and can't understand this, then give up now.