Spec Book Pro Blog

You Don't Need Spec-Writing Software

The true reason for buying software is to have some element of your business operations run better, faster or more cheaply.

Interior design firms don't need spec-writing software, they need spec-writing functionality. How that functionality is provided is secondary to it's primary purpose of making spec-writing efficient and painless for designers, and, creating accurate specs that help make purchasing and installing error-free and on-time.

With Spec Book Pro, all spec writers need is a web browser and an internet connection to create great specs.

Thanks to Loosely Coupled for inspiration.

The Value of Software as a Service

Spec Book Pro employs the software as a service model. You don't buy the software; you buy the use of the software via the internet.

Here are some comments by experts.

I am not sure I believe anymore, that Microsoft "knows how to ship software". When a Microsoft engineer fixes a minor defect, makes something faster or better, makes an API more functional and complete, how do they "ship" that software to me? I know the answer and so do you... The software sits in a source code control system for a minimum of two years (significantly longer for some of the early Longhorn code). At some point, the product that the fix is a part of will "ship" meaning that CD's will be pressed and delivered to customers and OEM's. In best case scenarios, the software will reach end users a few months after the Release To Manufacturing (RTM) date.

I would argue that Microsoft used to know how to ship software, but the world has changed... The companies that "know how to ship software" are the ones to watch. They have embraced the network, deeply understand the concept of "software as a service", and know how to deliver incredible value to their customers efficiently and quickly.
Source: Markl's Thoughts: Shipping Software