Alibre's Xpress 3D solid modeling software is free. Free is a problem, because it doesn't produce profits, something ordinarily considered necessary in capitalism. So, Alibre has figured out how to solve the problem: by charging for it. Well, create a different version of Xpress, and then charge for it.
Xpress Plus is US$250. For that, you get to include five more unique parts per assembly (now 30). Also, 3D sketch, design Booleans, surfacing tools, and shelling.
I presume this is Alibre telling Autodesk that its Inventor LT feature set is way too lame for $999 free.
(The Xpress Web site notes that it has 330,398 registrations of the free software.)
Well, except for airlines and some politically connected businesses (e.g. Airbus, EU & US farmers), most businesses can't continue to operate at a loss - after all, employees do like being paid.
It makes a lot of sense for Alibre to have a range of products from pretty entry level ($250) to > $2000. One big reason to buy is for tech support.
Posted by: Tony in SV | Jun 21, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Tony, you get only the software for $250, no tech support. According to the Alibre web site, "Alibre Design Xpress Plus does not come with software maintenance or support, and is a non-refundable purchase".
But $250 is still an amazing price.
Posted by: Deelip Menezes | Jun 22, 2007 at 06:57 AM
Deelip, good point. From a quick look, it's not clear if you can get a maintenance contract (probably not).
However it isn't all bad - according to http://www.alibre.com/xpress/support/ all Xpress users (including free) get "installation and startup assistance during their first 30 days of use"
Posted by: Tony in SV | Jun 22, 2007 at 08:12 AM