RDi cost - was Question on Free Format

[Brian Parkins <goodprophet.bp@xxxxxxxxx>]

I don't disagree with you that the pricing is prohibitive. I and many 
others have ranted similarly over the years - but it won't change things.

That said, I am in a similar position to yourself. I had a hard time 
justifying the outlay. However, as a freelancer you know all too well 
that you _have_ to invest in your own learning and skills to remain 
competitive and marketable. Think of the outlay on RDi as an investment 
- in yourself. Once you're over the initial cost, the annual SWMA is a 
little, (just a little) more palatable. Long term it will be worth it 
and I'm sure you can offset the cost as a tax deductible expense.

Again, I don't dispute that IBM is missing a huge opportunity to attract 
more customers, especially independents. (The Big Clients can negotiate 
discounts and trade-ins whilst "the little man" pays the full price. But 
isn't this always the way?) I reconcile this by telling myself I am also 
investing in the product and enhancements and that support will continue 
to be available. Can the same be said for the cheap/free tools in the 
years to come?

If it's any consolation, the free-trial period has increased to 
120-days. Ample time for you to assess the value of the product for your 
own personal development.

HTH,
Brian.

PS. Apologies if this discussion now belongs on WDSC-L

On 14/11/2018 23:33, smith5646midrange@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> I am an independent consultant and can't afford the price of RDi (unless I
> am missing something in the research I have done) and I think it is horrible
> that IBM has priced this so high.
>
> Now that my rant is over, can you recommend some of the free / low cost
> alternatives that you mentioned, leaning more towards the free ones?