Tools: Test before you buy

I first asked in the late 90s when I was at Gartner – why do testing, conversion, change configuration and other tools vendors not allow system integrators to deploy their tools for the duration of relevant phase of an implementation - instead of trying to directly sell perpetual licenses to customers?

I was talking to Lisa Lovas of Questcon recently and she told me about HP’s Project-based Licensing Program. It enables Questcon to offer the HP quality and performance management software on a project basis for a term ranging from one to three months. Makes so much sense, and I would think significantly improves HP’s opportunities to convert to a longer-term sale.

Lisa was saying HP is well positioned to have its Quality Center be exposed to pressing new areas such as performance testing web apps. And other areas where IBM’s Rational and other tools have traditionally played. Her firm has experience working with both IBM and HP suites.