Thinking about Trials and a change in UNA PowerApps pricing/billing.

We currently charge $50/mo for access to all UNA PowerApps installation and updates. UNA core and CoreApps can be used for free, but often we hear from people asking for a trial for PowerApps, as it may be difficult to assess which ones you may need, how they work, and if they’d be used by you site users.

So, we were thinking about a way to offer a trial, but we don’t want to uninstall, deactivate or  limit modules post-trial if they’re not paid for. This would mean that we’d have to add a way to remotely force client sites to downgrade or lose functionality in some way. We don‘t want to even consider making such a tool. The only way we want UNA sites to communicate with UNA.IO is by requesting available apps and updates, and installing them if authorised by site operator.

Now, the idea is to allow free download and installation of all PowerApps, but limit updates to licensed ones only. For example, if you want to try the Messenger, you’d be able to download, install and use it for free, but if a new version becomes available you would have to buy the app or sign up for a monthly plan that includes all powerapps updates (Pro or Cloud). If you haven’t been using it much, or your community is still in pre-production, you’d be able to simply uninstall and install the new version for free. If, however, the module is used actively and there is user data in it, uninstalling would wipe all the data, so a paid update is the only option. Simply using an outdated module is also not likely to work, as it may break compatibility with the rest of the system. Therefore, webmasters need to decide if they have to delete the app (to keep other modules up to date), or reinstall it (and lose user data), or pay for updates.

What do you think? Would that be a good change?

  • 4146
  • More
Replies (37)
    • good idea Andrew

      • I like that idea a lot. Makes more sense as a website that needs to attract members needs to have a powerful toolset of apps at first. Using your method helps the site grow WHILE figuring out what the site needs and doesn't need. The old way some site would be able to take advantage of all the apps while some people just need one or two eventually. Would also like to see a "rent to own" program for either a permanent license or a rewards program that gives a discount after subscribing consecutively for a certain amount of months.

        • Brilliant idea. I must admit that as a new user the $ values in the Marketplace come across as a bit intimidating as a first impression.

          • I like it. 

            Also consider reducing you pricing  plans for the power apps. Most of us are running niche sites that are not monetized and think twice about purchasing the apps at current price points.

            Your proposal may also solve that problem.

            • It's a good idea really, considering the dynamics of pulling through Startup to established business level. Lessening the takeoff barriers will contribute more towards Startup success and scaling through the odds makes one a better long-term client.

              It gives more oxygen to our lungs to withstand the storm.

                • Comment by unknown is hidden.
                  • i think its a far-cry from dolphin all the modules where free but that type of system is flawed the flaw was that in order for things to get better and a company to survive there needs to be a system to put funds back into the software and pay una staff and such i understand the whole reason for the power apps but others seem to not want to take the first step in buying any this would help gain trust from those that doubt the price of the apps as you stated Andrew Boon in another post that you where thinking that a $10 update price for apps a 1 off payment of say $50 a month and $10 for to update it every now and then thats a great idea but even if its half that $25 per update its a step in the right direction this would only work in the renting of apps and not in the subscription plans but who needs this for the subscription plans as your saving money with them anyways also you could do a 7 day free trial i have not yet used power apps myself yet but do plan too anyways peace out una team say awesome

                    MyZoid

                    • the $ values in the Marketplace come across as a bit intimidating as a first impression.

                      And you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

                      • You lost me there at first but i think a get the point that you agree with Andrew Boon 

                        • indeed i see a lot of other software out there and it don't hold a candle to dolphin and now una when you buy into Andrew Boon's services its more of an investment with other software its released and then forgot about i have seen a lot of stuff being discontinued and the software dev still keeps it up as paid robbing unsuspecting people not in the know Andrew Boon is the only CEO i know of that prides his self on keeping us informed i see a lot of other software's just making one post then not replying he puts his self out in the front line like you wouldn't know it :D anyways people are often miss understood before they make great innovations and such and the una team are just as impact-full in making this dream this vision a reality and were along for the ride making una one of the best places to be dolphin had problems una is the next evolution to greatness anyways peace out

                          MyZoid.

                          • Good idea, or you can make a server for tial, example : users signe in for a trial and get subdomain : myname.una.io with full access to all modules and apps 

                            • that's a very good idea then una is not out of pocket for the trial as you get to keep the apps afterwords it makes more seance making a demo site for all una apps and give webmaster log in and pass and do what softaculous does and make it revert back to the default settings that una team set up it makes it possible to have it as an aid for webmasters to test out the features for as-long as then need to without lost revenue to UNA Or lost money to us with a feature we find we don't need or does not do what we need it to Andrew Boon 

                              • ... buy the app or sign up for a monthly plan...

                                This plan is so ingenious. It is so sly you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel. A truly excellent and fair idea. 

                                Bring it on. Without delay!

                                • I like this idea. Get all power apps for free as a trial and take some time to decide whats really needed and suits your needs.

                                  • I have registered in UNA Cloud 4 but there is no sign of my registration, I cant start building the website.

                                    • I have registered in UNA Cloud 4 but there is no sign of my registration, I cant start building the website.

                                      I see your site is up and running, please let us know if you will have any problems

                                      • I think this is a great way to go about it. Dolphin was a great beginning and very good system to use, but now UNA is out and is the transformation into a system more beautifully written. A much better platform with so, so much more potential that its predecessor. We as a community using the same platform should look at UNA as our project, not just UNA team's project. Without us, they have nothing and without UNA we have nothing. So, contributing back by our input, usage of the platform, and purchasing modules is how the team and community will be able to be united and continue forward progress of such a platform. I'm a proud member and look forward to the many years to come with UNA.

                                        • HI All,

                                          Can anybody help me understand if I am currently dolphin license owner , what advantage do I get if I want to migrate to UNA. What is licensing model for all apps including power apps ? I am mainly looking at ads/store /media player /photos /group/ forum kind of module applications...for local e commerce . Are they part of the bundle?

                                          regds

                                          VP

                                          • Hello vidya patil !

                                            If you have a Dolphin Permanent license, it can be transferred to UNA Power Plan license.

                                            This Power Plan license will be free of charge and lifetime.

                                            To do the transfer, we need the following information from you:

                                            1) Dolphin Permanent license ID

                                            2) UNA.IO profile ID or profile link

                                            • Thank you Leo

                                              I appreciate your quick response. Do I have to send a email ? Sorry I am bit new on this topic.

                                              Where would I find power plan license description ? I searched with key word on this site but could not get much info  

                                              • You may send your request to support@una.io. The Power Plan you may see here https://una.io/page/view-product?id=247 

                                                • I like this idea.. it makes sense and allows someone like me, using una for the first time since registering years ago,  only one week into it and don't know if I can use certain modules or not.. I need to try them

                                                    • I never understood why you did not have a fully populated UNA demo site like you did with Dolphin; both admin (studio) and front end, with set logins (no registration needed) that reset every 30 minutes.  We could see and test all power apps on the UNA demo site.  You do have some site that requires one to join but no demo site like with Dolphin.  The Dolphin demo site was very useful; especially being able to log into the admin to check settings.

                                                      • I think it would help to sell market apps. It's human nature to be cautious, especially on spend money, on an app when you really have no idea if it will suit your purpose. How may times have you bought software to find out it is too difficult to use or just failed to meet you expectations or preform as stated. This way you know upfront if it is a good fit or not.
                                                        Trials on a temporary test site are great if you don't spend too much time working with them; because when your done you loose all that effort and have to start over; if you decide to incorporate in you site. If you decide not to incorporate in your site, then loosing it is not going to be a big deal. Knowing the cost up front you can gauge if the product has value or not during the trial.
                                                        That said a trial period on your site gives you the option to purchase and retain you development time and data sound good to me. Maybe a way to have the app disabled after a time period with out loosing the data and development time with the option to activate it upon purchase.

                                                        • Great idea & great marketing strategy ! This reminded me a while back when I was shopping around for a car - I knew the car I wanted but I never been in it or drove it before. I stopped by at this car dealer, and while I was checking out the car, the salesman came out and asked me if this is the car I wanted - I said yes, but I am not sure yet. Then he gave me the keys & offered me to take the car for 2 weeks to try it out and the only thing I have to pay for is my own gas. I was speechless.. I thought it was a great idea and great selling strategy. Imagine you spend about $30K-$40K purchasing a car, and later on you find out it has some flaws you don't like about it. It would have been too late, there is no refund when you buy a car. Even if you sell it, you will still loose about 20% of its value. Long story short, I ended up buying the car & very happy with it today..
                                                          I've been part of Boonex community for a long time, one of the reasons I am still around is the fact that not only they work hard to deliver a great product, but displaying HONESTY is one of the key items I look for beside quality. The fact that Andrew Boon is asking our community what we think about his new approach speaks volume about his great character. I know for fact in other communities, a decision would have been made already whether we like it or not..  The word "community" is a very strong word, it sounds as a "family, friend & partner", therefore it ought to be treated with HONESTY, RESPECT and SUPPORT for one another.. At the end of the day everyone (community) WINS !    

                                                          • Great idea! I already bought several power apps, only to find out that they are not satisfying our needs. Since there's no high propability to get an answer from support, it would be a better chance to try out, without prepayment, and then to decide whether the app(s) is/are worth the update(s) or not.

                                                            • No particular reason other than lack of time and resources to set it up. Also, a lot of great UNA sites are heavily reconfigured, so an out-of-the-box demo wouldn't do it justice. Early next year I'm hoping to set up a couple of pre-configured solutions, just as we planned before and allow them to be cloned. We are building infrastructure to orchestrate this.

                                                              • Awesome! Cant wait!

                                                                • Demo site would benefit both potential users and UNA.

                                                                  • Sounds rational, Andrew. I think it's a good idea. + From me

                                                                    • How far is the UNA Team with this PowerApps Trial/Plan project? It has been 2 or 3 years now since this discussion started.

                                                                      • Hello 

                                                                        If you have a Dolphin Permanent license, it can be transferred to UNA Power Plan license.

                                                                        This Power Plan license will be free of charge and lifetime.

                                                                        To do the transfer, we need the following information from you:

                                                                        1) Dolphin Permanent license ID

                                                                        2) UNA.IO profile ID or profile link

                                                                        You may send your request to support una.io. The Power Plan you may see here una.io/page/view-product?id=247 

                                                                        It doesn't work! I've sent an email to the address mentioned above, neither nobody replied to me nor license had been transferred to my UNA profile.

                                                                        • Hello Electrik !

                                                                          Your request has been answered in 3 hours. I've asked about your profile link. Now I definitely know it :-) Your license deal was passed to the responsible person.

                                                                          • I am glad to update my post with a positive result. Today I've obtained the license. Very happy. Thanks

                                                                            • Leonid, Thank you very much for your prompt response. I've got the UNA Power subscription plan.

                                                                              Kind regards

                                                                              Login or Join to comment.