A Good Deal From DB4O

Let’s say that you were creating an application that runs on a handheld device, and let’s assume that you consider that the code is your intellectual property. Most applications seem to have the need to persist or save information, but your technological options may be affected by software licences. (I will say nothing about the appropriateness of proprietary software until later.) You now have a cost effective option!

The db40 micro commercial offering allows you to use db4o in software that runs on handheld devices at a unit cost as low as a a dollar. If you plan to ship tens of thousands of copies of your software, that is a pretty good price. The market for software that runs on handheld devices is huge. Vendors of handheld hardwre are finding it harder to differentiate themselves based on hardware; therefore, the differentiator is software. db4o has been very reasonable in their pricing, and I think this represents a huge opportunity for them. That was smart!

Now, if I understand the licensing of db4o, you also have the option of using db4o under the GPL license even on handheld devices. That is fine, but if you want to look for investors, this can make your business look less attractive to them. Personally, I think you can build a viable business on open source software, but not everyone understands that. At a $3 a unit for 10,000 licenses, you can deploy to your first few customers without closing the door on some sources of investment.

On the other hand, going the proprietary route is not necessary. Much of the software you deploy could be sold as part of a service you offer – the cost is for the service, but not for the software. You may not need your code to be closed. Still. db4o is so easy to use, and the handheld market software market is heating up. Why not use it – that is probably one of its best uses.

I am open to the open source idea, but I favor choice. I believe that open source is a good idea, and I think that sharing ideas makes them better. However, I do not think proprietary software is evil, per se. Being glued to the idea of proprietary software is short-sighted. You decide. However, if you want to protect your perceived intellectual property – db4o’s micro licensing scheme is a bargain.

If you have some ideas for for developing software for the handheld market using db4o, check this program out. You can be marketing and selling your software tomorrow!