Shareware in 2011?

[tspike]

Hi all,

I'm considering starting a business based on a "try it before you buy it" software model next year. From what I can tell, shareware's heyday was in the 90s, so I'm just wondering if anyone has any more recent experiences with the shareware model. Is it still viable? Anything to look out for?

I know lots of Web 2.0 sites use this model, but I'm more proficient at coding desktop apps than web apps. I have experience with both marketing and development, I'm just wanting to make sure I devote my energy to something that will raise my odds of success.

Thanks!

[veikoh]

It seems to be working still for Windows apps. Check out the sites like brothersoft.com...

[MMarley]

I think the concept will stand for a long time but the name "shareware" per se is pretty dad.