CompuServe Messages

Yes, I was talking about the "Chinese Firedrill". >>Just a thought.<< Well, I must say a pretty well composed one! <G> I agree on the fact that Autodesk did not start out with a dealer channel in mind, and that this channel has become a "liability" in the sense of an immovable mass (inertia you would call it! <BG>). BUT, I must disagree with one basic thought of your response, the idea of CAD consultants. While I agree that it would be possible for a "good dealership" to maintain a profitable existence as an integration consultant. With margins the way they are now, I think several dealers (especially those on this forum, including myself) would admit that a significant portion of their financial resources comes from consulting services. I do feel that this overlooks one invaluable asset of the dealer channel – Marketing. I think all dealer have felt the "firedrill" effects recently. You should be the one that receives AutoSurf R2, AutoCAD ADE, AutoVision, and 3D Studio R3 in a three week period! Talk about a learning curve! It was the dealer channel, however, that bore the responsibility for learning, demonstrating, and SELLING these products. Autodesk could not have provided the resources required to generate the early market interest and success that these products have enjoyed. People may buy a wordprocessor or spreadsheet mailorder, but they want to "get their hands on" products from which they generate their livelyhood. Let me explain….. I think you may have struck a personal cord on this one, because of my experiences as a frustrated end user. I was not always a dealer, I am an Architect by trade (you are also, aren't you?) and was the Manager CAD Services and a Project Manager for a local Wichita firm for seven years. My frustration was that I was in charge of making decisions regarding software that would ultimately affect the bottom line. It didn't matter whether the software was $50.00 or $5,000.00, I had to evaluate its potential cost-effectiveness. The most expensive software the firm ever purchased was AutoCAD, but it was the easiest decision I had to make. Why? The dealer channel!!! I was able to go to a local dealership and perform a "detailed" analysis on AutoCAD before we purchased. The final point I would like to make deals with geography. If Autodesk would make a move away from the dealer channel and toward a wider distribution channel, who would carry the torch for "marginal" market areas such as Wichita. "Resellers" in these areas would not have the resources to sponsor the seminars and other events that the current "dealers" do. I feel that Autodesk would suffer greatly in these "outlying" areas, and that would ultimately have an negative impact on their gross revenues. Well, just a return thought <BG>!