>My customers gave me some reasonable answers on that sophisticated question:
>- our competitors use computers with very expansive software, why we should not?
I hear - if it works - don't fix it. Being compeditive is not so much a function of computer or software or packaging as it is "sales".

If you look at the space program - and even advanced avionics - they have what they call "flight proven" sytems. These guys are 20 to thirty years old. Even the NASA launch systems are almost forty years old.

Newness may be important - but I see a lot of old "text" solutions doing all sorts of mission critical infra-structure management. But what do I know - I still prefer watches with main-springs!:-)

>- competitors have a web site which generates millions USD while we are slipping
>- advertisement (thanks to Microsoft)
>- reengineering :)

Your internal marketing surveys may be giving you good info - but as a consumer - and this is just me - when I buy - I don't buy the chrome or the LED's - I buy (or hope too) quality. If the burrs on a "plain" product are ground smooth and the welds look like a roll of dimes - I will pick that before I choose chrome-masked raw edges and a sloppy spot weld.

There is a difference between well packaged low value and sparsely packaged high value. An educated eye can spot the difference between something that shines and something that has value.

A diamond in the rough is better than rhine stone anyday!

Maybe you just need to educate your customer / market base. People need to be educated on "value". Things aren't as they appear. Show em the undercarriage - sell value - not window dressing!