Re: [libreoffice-marketing] Re: LibreOffice with Windows on new computers: why not?

On 10/31/2010 04:39 AM, Marc Paré wrote:

> > > > money involved in it, but would it be possible to convince the major manufacturers to install 
> > > > the latest version of LibreOffice alongside the other software and crapware they include in 
> > > > their new computers?

How much are you paying the OEMs for each install of LibO?

> > > What I *could* see happening, and where I think OOo missed the boat, is boxed sales.

Several companies offer rebranded OOo as boxed software.

> >   A distributor wholesales the software with a support package.  This support
package is backed up by helpdesk staff who have been through the INGOTs
programme.

Try this for a more accurate description of what you mean.

TokiKantoor creates a three DVD and paperback book package. Let's call
it LibreOffice TokiKantoor Edition.  Joe Sixpack purchases LibreOffice
TokiKantoor Edition. Joe Sixpack has a 7/24 phone number to call for
support issues.

TokiKantoor is responsible for handling all support issues either by
phone, or in person, for consumers that bought LibreOffice TokiKantoor
edition.

TokiKantoor is responsible for getting its package into the wholesalers,
and distributors.  B&T, Ingram, The Distributors, CBD, etc.

TokiKantoor is responsible for getting its package (LibreOffice
TokiKantoor Edition) into the various retail channels.  Amazon, B&N,
WallMart, Target, Costco, Office Depot, Game Stop, etc.

[OK, I'm assuming somebody ports LibO to the XBox 360, Wii, or other
game console, for Game Stop to carry it. Bible Study Software is
available on those platforms, so why not an office suite?]

> > Same thing applies to OEM, they sell a machine with LibO preinstalled with media and Manual.

Historically, and typically, for the us at least, OEMs are paid for the
software that they pre-install. This is one reason why Linux boxes are
more expensive than Windows boxes.

> However, we do have to be careful not to alienate users who will later find out that the distro 
> is a free download. They would need some kind
 of great value for their money .. as you said support package; clipart;
manual etc.

People are willing to pay for convenience. Which is what the package offers.

> This would obviously require creating a worldwide helpdesk system.

Call center support could be rolled out on a country by country basis.
 Preferably start with a call center in Namibia, Western Cape, or other
country that has low labour costs. (Call centers are abandoning India,
because costs there are too high.)

> I am not quite sure if this would satisfy this user who would have paid
at the retail level even with all of the perks.

If the package contains:
* hard copy manual;
* DVD of The Open ClipArt collection;
* DVD that includes all known templates, all known extensions, all known
dictionaries, all known languages packs, and the other goodies that are
available;
* DVD includes Windows (32 bit and 64 bit), Mac OS X, and various *Nix
packages;
then most people will be satisfied.
(Three DVDs and a hard copy manual).

> If you consider the amount of dollars that TDF/LibO would have provide worldwide to print manuals 
> and press DVD's and this as often as the major update to the distro, 

POD production is the most expensive for the consumer, but the least
expensive for the distributor.

If a hard copy manual is included, that will be what sets the price of
the package.

jonathon
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