Time Period vs Functionality Trial Period

Question

What is better for window form applications or what do you all perfer?

An application with a Trial Period by a Date (like free to use for 30 days) or do you like to limit functionality of the application for the Free Version?

Answer 1

I like # of uses better than a date limit. I often try something once, forget about it for a while, then want to try it again only to be locked out. Having a set number of uses unlimited by time is much better. Limited functionality can be OK depending on the app, but full functionality limited by usage is better IMO.

Answer 2

I think that it depends on the application type.

I think time limited is best if:

• No data saved in the application which will not be available if I don't by it.
• It is an every-day kind of application, not something that is just used once or twice.

I think function limited is best if:

• The application is used just once or in a short period of time.
• The application can be limited in such a way that it can prove its power, but not provide useful results.

I've marked this as community wiki, feel free to add things to the lists.

Answer 3

"The customer is always right"; provide both and let him/her chose.

Answer 4

We do both.

• Fully functional 14-day trial period
• Reverts to restricted DEMO functionality after 14-days