For example, I know that open-source versions of IL readers/writers exist such as Cecil, and Microsoft's (closed source) CCI. What would it take to get developers to pay for something that is already freely available?I have always wanted to start my own ISV by writing my own tools and selling them in the open market, but it's hard to gauge the demand, given that free alternatives already exist. Does anyone else have any successful experiences selling a commercial version of an open-source product?
What would it take to get developers to pay for something that is already freely available as open source?
open source;micro isvs;product development
My personal opinion: Quality. If your software is better than the free alternative, I would pay for it.Think about your target demographic. Probably professional programmers, right? (What other group of people is willing and able to buy such a specialized tool?) If you save them time and frustration, you make their jobs easier.People can justify spending $X dollars if it means Y% increase in productivity. It's much harder to justify spending $0 for 0% increase in productivity.