2nd
2007
Why monthly charges instead of a one-time fee?
Updated (from March 1 original post)
We understand that most people see desktop software as a standalone entity and thus should be charged a one-time fee. We agree. However, Bandwagon is NOT just desktop software.
The following reasons should clarify the pricing issues:
1) iTunes metadata is stored on our servers (Amazon EC2 and S3) and updated when changed. Examples:
- You change a downloaded track to its proper title, album and artist. We save this metadata so when you restore, there is no need to rename. Imagine doing this to 1,000 tracks.
- You have rated a bunch of tracks. Saved.
- Bottom line: we save all iTunes metadata so you don’t have to re-do them. Save oodles of time.
This important feature is currently available on DIY and DIY+. It begs the question then “Why not just store the metadata on S3?”. S3 is simply a file storage system and we need database processing server side to maintain the metadata, which S3 cannot provide.
If you don’t need this feature, then Bandwagon is probably not the right product for you.
2) Features are in the works (nothing is final) that integrate syncing and sharing to both DIY and DIY+ application services which require server-side processing and connections. Examples:
- Restoring tracks from one Mac to another over the Internet (available today)
- Syncing playlists between Macs
- Listening to music over the web
- Access to files via the web
- Syncing a work folder to your home computer
- Photo sharing with family
If you still feel that the reasons above does not satify you forking over your hard-earned money, we understand. Here’s a list of stand-alone tools that might work for you.
So think of Bandwagon not so much as an expense but as a time-saver in the very boring world of backup. You can either save $2 per month or save oodles of time. I think your time is more important, especially to geeks.
Note: beinsync provides a not-too dissimilar backup + sync application service for music, photos + documents for the Windows platform. They charge $60/year. beinsync uses your other computer’s hard drives to backup though, not an online storage cloud (although they recently included S3 support). Bandwagon DIY cost 60% less.
