Future of non-MAS 1Password?

shadedream

I've been on the fence for a while now about purchasing the Mac version of 1Password. I have the iOS version and have really enjoyed using it, but I'm a bit concerned with the MAS jump. So now I'm curious to know if there's any official commitment to the non MAS version of your product for future (4?) versions for Lion.



I am not a fan at all of MAS purchases for many reasons (no downgrading, no demos/testing, long update delays, and in the case of 1Password limitations on where I can store my data to list a few examples). I understand most of these are not the developers faults, but they still weigh heavy on my purchase decisions. There are simply no additional benefits to me as a customer to counteract the restrictions of the MAS. Even at the discounted price I'm unlikely to make a purchase on the MAS given the limitations of the product over a traditionally licensed product.



If plans are to maintain a non-MAS offering, are there plans to maintain version parity or are versions and features going to differ/lag between the versions as they currently are between the MAS and non-MAS versions?

hmurchison

From what I've read from the Agile staff version 4.0 is slated to be MAS only. They are not ruling out direct sales of 4.0 but at this point the plan is to be MAS only.



I think demos are a bit of a red herring. There's really no reason for the MAS to offer demos. A simple link back to the website of the vendor can provide a demo and that appears to be what many developers are doing. I suppose this makes the creation of a demo easier as they can created a limited functioning app that cannot be turned into a full product.



You bring up an interesting questions about roll backs. I'm wondering if a Time Machine backup will store prior versions of Mac App Store apps. As of now if you delete an app the data goes with it but how is this affected by Time Machine. I may have to test this out on my Mac eventually.

tenthumbs

I think a decision to go MAS only for 4.0 is bound to upset quite a few users who have based their purchase on [url="http://forum.agilebits.com/index.php?/topic/3212-1password-and-the-mac-app-store/page__view__findpost__p__19162"]this[/url] post :



[quote name='RobYoder' timestamp='1295373360' post='19162']

Hi, sjimmie. Just wanted to let you know that we've made the decision not to sell 1Password 4 exclusively through the Mac App Store. You'll still be able to purchase and get updates directly from our website.

[/quote]

Ben

That post was made 9 months ago. A lot has changed in 9 months. <img src='http://forum.agilebits.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

shinratdr

[quote name='bwoodruff' timestamp='1316114292' post='49348']

That post was made 9 months ago. A lot has changed in 9 months. <img src='http://forum.agilebits.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

[/quote]

For instance, Agile ditching its commitment to honouring the statements they make and incorporating the feedback of users. That has been one the biggest changes in the last 9 months. We went from a good company to a bad one. Big changes.



I'll keep that in mind, promises made by Agile are invalid past 9 months. Better hope 1Password 4 finishes development soon. Wouldn't want you guys to turn around and charge me another $20 because "A lot has changed".