Netscape is SOOO backward. They used to set the pace in the industry. Now
they follow others. They are re-pricing their mail server going from a FLAT
rate model to licenses based on the number of client seats. They were
pretty revolutionary when the package sold for $995 for an unlimited number
of users. Now what is the incentive for a company to purchase their
Internet standard email package when it is competitive with MS
Mail/Exchange/cc:Mail/etc... ISPs have to pay based on size. (Makes it
difficult to bundle a second email account for free!) Smaller ISPs won't
bundle their software because we have to PAY for it. However, if they
download it themselves it is free for a "trial period" Why doesn't Netscape
allow smaller ISPs to give the software away for a "trial period?" I'm sure
that AT&T, AOL, and now the RBOCs have a REALLY sweet licensing deal. They
are fat and they aren't hungry for OUR business. They don't see us a large
market. Give them a call tell them you're from GM. They will jump through
hoops for you. Now call back and tell them you're a regional ISP and they
will tell you how great they are and how big a favor they will be doing you
to bundle their software for a low per piece price of $25.00 Oh well... I'm
just sick of their unreliable servers and their haughty and pompous
attitude and sales people. I will use and promote MS products for my
service and use apache on my UNIX boxes. They work and the programmers and
marketing people listen to my input and make real changes based on
suggestions. I just hope that this continues after they have a larger
Internet market share.
-Robert
btw - After I wrote this I realized it was from and to the Livingston
list... Sorry to post this non-Livingston rant here - but I already typed
it all in. ,) Other than BGP4 and multiple Ethernet Sub-Interfaces, I have
zero Livingston issues!