Why is AVG free?

[mad NATer]

I've used the free version of AVG for a couple of years now and have had no
issues with it. I'm wondering though why there is a free version. From a
business perspective I can't understand why a company (and there are many
others, I'm asking about AVG simply because I use it) would offer good
software and frequent updates for absolutely no money at all. What's the
motivation?

 

[tim]

I've used the free version of AVG for a couple of years now and have had no
issues with it. I'm wondering though why there is a free version. From a
business perspective I can't understand why a company (and there are many
others, I'm asking about AVG simply because I use it) would offer good
software and frequent updates for absolutely no money at all. What's the
motivation?

AVG or others are hoping to capture an audience. Get them hooked on
the free version in the hopes that they may in the future, pay for the
product. Most (in general) people will stay with what they know.
Which explains why lots of folks continue to buy Symantec products.

tim

 

[m0rk]

AVG or others are hoping to capture an audience. Get them hooked on
the free version in the hopes that they may in the future, pay for the
product. Most (in general) people will stay with what they know.
Which explains why lots of folks continue to buy Symantec products.

tim

They charge for the business/commercial use products ... with so many
using it at home they get to say, "I use AVG, its very good and free for
home use - the commercial prduct seems good value too, lets try it" ...
..and as it generally does the job folk stay with it, so they sell more.

 

[Roger Wilco]

I've used the free version of AVG for a couple of years now and have had no
issues with it. I'm wondering though why there is a free version. From a
business perspective I can't understand why a company (and there are many
others, I'm asking about AVG simply because I use it) would offer good
software and frequent updates for absolutely no money at all. What's the
motivation?

I think it just makes good PR to offer the second most recent version as
a free product. Some will "upgrade" to the recent product out of loyalty
if they liked the free version. Then you add the 'advertising' angle
with the so-called "certification" on outgoing SMTP and NNTP sends.

 

[Guest]

I've used the free version of AVG for a couple of years now and have had no
issues with it. I'm wondering though why there is a free version. From a
business perspective I can't understand why a company (and there are many
others, I'm asking about AVG simply because I use it) would offer good
software and frequent updates for absolutely no money at all. What's the
motivation?

It's free so that they can break into the business market.
-Pete

 

[Shadowman]

AVG or others are hoping to capture an audience. Get them hooked on
the free version in the hopes that they may in the future, pay for the
product. Most (in general) people will stay with what they know.
Which explains why lots of folks continue to buy Symantec products.

tim

Although many of us who have gotten to know Symantec products well
enough have learned to stay away...


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[CJM]

I think it just makes good PR to offer the second most recent version as
a free product. Some will "upgrade" to the recent product out of loyalty
if they liked the free version. Then you add the 'advertising' angle
with the so-called "certification" on outgoing SMTP and NNTP sends.

Some companies provide the newer (BETA) version free instead... A good way
to give the next version of your product a thorough testing...

 

[Petey the Wonder Dog]

Looks like you said...

What's the motivation?

Some of the freeware that I've used was good enough to inspire me to
get more by paying for the pro version. Like free samples at the
supermarket. It obvoiusly works well enough to keep them profitable.