Making a good desktop tool into a web based one would be a major disaster imo. Maybe I'm in the minority who don't believe in all the "cloud" hype?
While there is nothing inherently disastrous about a good (!) online tool, i would also have slight concerns if a software company is doing its first steps in this area. Creating a reliable online application requires quite a different expertise than creating desktop applications...
My point exactly. Why doesn't every layout tool just do this?
Why should
every layout tool do this?
Unless you want your "lower" software editions be restricted by area, what is the benefit?
I can't think of a reason. For construction/manufacturing of your device, dimensions are relevant to make the PCB fit the assembly.
For PCB fabs, usually panel size matters, not so much the area of your irregularly shaped board.
Care to elaborate in which scenarios calculating the area would matter (except as artificial restriction)?
I think it exceedingly strange that a lot of people seem to think that it's okay for these software producers to simply do as they please. We are, after all, the market -- and it is and certainly should be demand-driven.
If enough people demand it, someone will come along and fill the void because they'll recognize the opportunity.
The best companies to work with are the ones that fully embrace that, and meet the demands. They not only get loyalty, they get business... and a lot of it. Look at what Apple did with the iPhone and iPod, and I think I need say no more.
Give people what they want, and they will buy into it. Do it right, and you'll be laughing all the way to the bank.
Hmm... if a lot of people are okay with what the companies do, would that not mean that the companies met the demands of those people?
Naturally, companies will try to achieve and sustain success (a-ka monies in the bank). Some will do better than others.
Still, the best companies will eventually fall. The reality of the market(s) is far more complex and dynamic than you think.
Only 67 companies from the Fortune 500 list of the year 1955 are still in the Fortune 500 list in the year 2011. Go figure...