Subsidised enhancements share the first criteria we consider when looking at uncharged enhancements, however some of the other criteria of uncharged enhancements are relaxed.

In other words, the features requested are features which we believe will enhance the product for users overall. There are a number of other factors which mean that it does not qualify for inclusion as an uncharged enhancement and so the cost of the enhancement is subsidised by himatix.com and also by the customers requesting the enhancement.

Circumstances which may make a feature qualify for subsidised enhancement, but not uncharged enhancement include the following:-

1. In our view, the feature, while an improvement, would not, in our view justify the cost involved in making the change. The customer on the other hand may view the feature as very important for their business. With subsidised enhancements, we meet part of the costs and the customer requesting the enhancement meets part of the cost. The feature is then included in subsequent releases of the product.
2. The customer requires an enhancement urgently and has commercial reasons which justify contributing part of the costs in order to have the feature fast tracked.
3. The customer does not wish to be involved in beta testing or have the resources to do so, and simply wants a turnkey solution. In that case, the customer may be prepared to subsidise that phase of the enhancement.

The costs associated with subsidised enhancements vary widely according to the circumstances. In some cases we cover the most of the costs, while the customer bears relatively little. In other cases the reverse applies. In either case, both us, and the customer, are contributing toward the cost of the additional features.

With subsidised enhancements, both sides have responsibilities and benefits. We understand the time constraints and value of the contribution made by the customers, particularly with testing, when subsidised enhancement takes place, and we do deliver on time with code that meets the requirements specified.

With subsidised enhancement however, there is a corresponding responsibility from the customer to us. In such cases, we are contributing a substantial part of the costs, either by way of a fixed charge, or by a reduced rate hourly charge. In the event where we are prevented or delayed in performing our responsibilities because the customer has not completed what they have agreed to do, or because they are not ready, then our waiting time is charged at the rate applied for full custom development, not subsidised development.

If you wish to discuss subsidised enhancement of our software to meet the particular requirements of your business please send email to custom@himatix.com with details of the features you would like to see modified.

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