On 13/02/2012 00:52, Steve wrote:
> Leon,
>
> I looked a the DesignSpark web page, I have some interest in the
> product. Is there an email reflector group such as this one for DesignSpark?
There is this Q and A page on the DS web site:
http://www.designspark.com/questions_and_answersbut many questions don't seem to get answered.
>
> The DesignSpark web page paints a rosy picture of a very functional
> tool. Your recommendation reinforces that idea. Developing and
> maintaining such a product surely entails substantial costs. Wonder how
> RS Components justifies the expenditure and/or makes their money back?
RS did it because their main competitor, Farnell, bought CADsoft/Eagle.
RS paid Westdev, who produce Easy-PC and Pulsonix, to develop it.
Advanced Circuits in the USA did the same thing a few years ago. It
probably didn't cost them very much.
I don't actually like DS very much, although I used Easy-PC, on which it
is based, for many years, because I'm so used to Pulsonix. People using
DS for their designs seem to like it.
Leon
--
Leon Heller
G1HSM