[NTLUG:Discuss] VMware potentially for $89

[Chris Cox]

I want to add some extra info.  PLEASE READ THIS
if you want to purchase VMware.

VMware is one of the best software products I've ever used.... but
it's not for everyone.  To me, it's worth every penny I've
spent on it, but it's an expensive piece of software to own
and operate.

For every new major version upgrade, it generally costs $100
to upgrade your license... yep, $100!!  Now, to me... I could
care less, I've got to have it, it's just too useful for me.
And unlike other large priced pieces of software, this one
actually makes me happy.

So... I just want to WARN you about this.  YOU WILL have
to upgrade.  They are very good, like most software companies,
about performing the "forced upgrade" methodology.  It's
a GUARANTEE.  IMHO, this is not a tool that you just want
for a short period of time... so I'm WARNING you ahead
of time... if you want it to continue to operate on future
dists of Linux, you will eventually HAVE TO UPGRADE to
a later version (as those versions come out).

I bought 2 licenses of VMWare for $75/each back when it was in
BETA (the .9 days).  When VMWare 1.0 came out, I don't think
it cost me anything to upgrade, but when VMware 2.0 came out,
I had to pay $89 (maybe $100) each to upgrade... and I definitely
had to pay $100/each going to 3.0 and $100/each to go to 4.0.
VMware is currently at 4.5 (no charge for that upgrade).
VMware checks your PRIOR licenses... that is, it knows the difference
betweeen an initial buy and an upgrade.  I know my current
license file has my 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 licenses in it and it
will NOT function if any of those are removed.

Now... (for those who haven't passed out yet), realize that
this is NO different from Windows upgrades, Office upgrades, etc.
The biggest difference is that unlike those other products,
this one has merit to me.  But I know that if only "think"
that VMware might be useful to you.. or you only need it
for a short period of time, I'd just install the 30-day
eval license when you need it.  If you really NEED
VMware, this is a good base price, just be WARNED about
the future costs... and now you have been warned.

Regards,
Chris