Bento Software Upgrade Controversy and Pricing Evolution
In the world of software development, the transition between versions often sparks debate, particularly when it concerns cost and support. One of the most notable instances occurred with Bento, a productivity tool developed by FileMaker, when the release of version 2.0 triggered a significant backlash from its user base.
The Bento 2.0 Pricing Dispute
On October 14, 2008, FileMaker launched Bento 2.0. This update introduced several new features, including integration with Apple Mail, alongside various bug fixes. However, the release was overshadowed by a controversial pricing decision: FileMaker did not offer upgrade pricing for existing users. Instead, Bento 2.0 was sold at the same price as the original version 1.
Disappointed customers took to the official Bento user forums to voice their frustrations. In response, FileMaker defended the move by stating they were adopting a pricing model similar to that used by other major software suites, specifically citing Apple's iWork and iLife.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Decision to End Version 1 Support
The tension escalated on November 25, when FileMaker issued an official statement announcing the discontinuation of revisions and bug fixes for Bento 1. This decision was met with resistance from users who still relied on the first version of the software.
Technical Challenges and Architectural Shifts
FileMaker explained that the decision to stop supporting version 1 was not made lightly. While Bento 1 had undergone extensive beta testing, post-shipment issues were inevitable. Although version 1.0.2 had addressed critical bugs, the development of Bento 2.0 required significant architectural reworking—meaning the fundamental structure of the software was changed.
Because of these deep structural changes, FileMaker claimed it was impossible to migrate fixes from version 2.0 back to version 1.0. To do so would have required reengineering version 1 to the point that it would essentially become version 2.0. The company argued that attempting this would have delayed the release of Bento 2.0.3 (a free update for users of 2.0.1 and 2.0.2) and hindered the overall development of the product line.
Key Facts
- Release Date: Bento 2.0 was released on October 14, 2008.
- Controversy: No upgrade pricing was provided for version 2.0; it cost the same as version 1.
- Support Cut-off: Official support and bug fixes for Bento 1 ended on November 25.
- Technical Hurdle: Architectural changes in 2.0 prevented the back-porting of fixes to 1.0.
- Later Pricing: By May 20, 2012, Bento 4 was priced at $49 for a single license and $99 for a Family Pack of five licenses.
Bento Pricing and Version Summary
| Version/Event | Date | Pricing/Status | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bento 2.0 | Oct 14, 2008 | Full Price | No upgrade discount for v1 users |
| Bento 1 Support | Nov 25, 2008 | Discontinued | Bug fixes and revisions ended |
| Bento 4 | May 20, 2012 | $49 / $99 | Single license vs. Family Pack (5) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was there a controversy surrounding Bento 2.0?
The controversy arose because FileMaker did not offer a discounted upgrade price for existing Bento 1 users, charging them the full price of the software for version 2.0.
How did FileMaker justify the lack of upgrade pricing?
FileMaker stated that they were following the same pricing models used by other software companies, specifically referencing Apple's iLife and iWork suites.
Why couldn't FileMaker fix the bugs in Bento 1 using the 2.0 code?
Bento 2.0 underwent significant architectural changes. This meant that fixes developed for the new version could not be easily migrated back to the old version without essentially rebuilding version 1 from scratch.
What happened to the support for Bento 1?
On November 25, 2008, FileMaker officially announced that they would no longer provide revisions or bug fixes for the version 1 product.
How much did Bento 4 cost in 2012?
As of May 20, 2012, a single license for Bento 4 cost $49, while a Family Pack containing five licenses cost $99.