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Rating: 
Summary: Out of date...
Review: A bit out of date and not much meat in this book. I didn't find it very useful.
Rating: 
Summary: Very useful
Review: After 15 years doing software development for others, I had been thinking about going out on my own, and this book was exactly what I needed to get started. One of the reasons I particularly liked it was that it isn't too theoretical. The author gives specific instructions and ideas on how to actually set up your business, turn your software into an actual products, and--most importantly--get your software sold. If you're starting a software business, or just thinking or dreaming about it, I would definitely get this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Only good if you know nothing about software
Review: I don't think you could be very successful running a computer business if you need this book. Its way too basic.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, but a bit of a lost-leader
Review: I thought this was a good reference for someone interested in starting a software company, but with no previous background. It is written in a simple style, and touches on everything. I had found much of the information in other places, but it is very good to have it all bound together in one place.I have one, major complaint. Every other page of the book, it seems, refers to forms, contact information, or further topical information that is on the companion CD. The CD does NOT come with the book, however. If you call the number listed on the back page, you will find that it is available for $29.95. It is frustrating to be constantly reminded in the text that you do not have much of the available information in hand, but could if you spend another $30. It's a nice piece of marketing by the author, I guess, but it has damaged his credibility with me. I won't purchase other books by him in the future.
Rating:
Summary: A really useful book
Review: I've collected a lot of books on the software business, and this one was one of the most useful. Most of the books I have are long on theory and short on practical advice--which is okay, if that's what you want. This one was just the opposite--lots of specific ideas and tips. I thought it was really useful.
I should warn you, however, if you are looking for a book on the history of the software business or the theory of the software business or anything like that, this is not the right book for you. On the other hand, if you are thinking of starting a software company--which I am--it's definitely worth getting.
Rating:
Summary: disappointment
Review: I've read a few books on business start-ups and found this one to be intuitive, but lacking in depth. Many important aspects are mentioned, but are rarely discussed to any great length.
I found that this book was a good first step into the world of software development business as it raised important business related questions.
It would be innapropriate for me not to mention one major issue I have with the book. The book makes reference to resources in a cd that wasn't even included. At the end of the book, where most CDs are found, there's a sales pitch to call a 1800number to ORDER a cd!
There isn't even a website with supporting documents for this book, which is a luxury that we're accustomed to with other publishers.
I've noted the author, the publisher and would find it difficult to convince myself of buying anything from them again. I tried finding the publisher's website but to my disappointment, the publisher appears to be a business technology solutions provider(not the typical publishing company).
I've called the 1800 number and entered the extension to order the cd(to confirm other people's assertions that it will fail) and found that the extension is indeed invalid. I was offended that a company would try and squeeze more money out of something that other publishers provide for free, but to be directed to an extension that doesn't even exist is even more insulting.
If there's a chance that the publisher sees this... here's a suggestion.
1) If the phone number and extension are typos, provide a website to correct these publishing errors...
2) If you no longer support this publication, provide a website to inform people who buy it.
3) If you are considering another publication, provide the cd with the text and forget about trying for another sale (it may damage your reputation as it has in my mind)
If after all this, you're still considering this book... it's a good first step, but take note that you'll need to take many other steps towards business success.
Rating:
Summary: A good starting place for collecting information
Review: If you are serious about creating a software company, this book is definitely the right place to start collecting information. It gives you useful tips about how to plan your software business, and how to survive the competition. I am glad I have read this book. If you take full advantage of this book, we might be competing against each other one day. Enjoy...
Rating:
Summary: Great book, but a bit of a lost-leader
Review: The book is a good common-sense guide to starting a software company. It is clearly written and contains some good information and advice. The book, however, is a little rough around the edges. Although many software companies have moved away from creating a printed manual, the author (wisely) recommends bucking that trend and creating one. Another good piece of advice offered is to keep the first version (1.0) as simple as possible. The physical condition of my copy of the book could be better. The print quality is poor, and some of the pages lean to one side. Also, there are several references to a CD. For example, "A copy of this form is included in the Start Your Own Company CD-ROM". But when I flipped to the back of the book, I did not find a CD, but instead found a page that said "to order a copy of the Start Your Own Software Company CD-ROM, call 1-800..." I was really surprised by that. I have never seen that in a book before. To make matters worse, when I called the 800 number and punched in the extension that the book listed, it was not a valid extension.
Rating:
Summary: Well written, but not very polished
Review: The book is a good common-sense guide to starting a software company. It is clearly written and contains some good information and advice. The book, however, is a little rough around the edges. Although many software companies have moved away from creating a printed manual, the author (wisely) recommends bucking that trend and creating one. Another good piece of advice offered is to keep the first version (1.0) as simple as possible. The physical condition of my copy of the book could be better. The print quality is poor, and some of the pages lean to one side. Also, there are several references to a CD. For example, "A copy of this form is included in the Start Your Own Company CD-ROM". But when I flipped to the back of the book, I did not find a CD, but instead found a page that said "to order a copy of the Start Your Own Software Company CD-ROM, call 1-800..." I was really surprised by that. I have never seen that in a book before. To make matters worse, when I called the 800 number and punched in the extension that the book listed, it was not a valid extension.
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