Are Single-Programmer Software Projects Doomed?

Posted by Garland Coulson
Apr 12, 2014 at 03:05 AM

I am constantly on the lookout for new, better software for my productivity. But lately, I have found my needs changing. Since I teach and train others, I need software that:
-works cross platform
-works on mobile devices
-regularly comes up with new features and keeps up with the competition
-modern, intuitive interfaces
-provides good support
-will be there 5 years down the road

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t expect something for nothing - I happily pay for productivity software that I use everyday.

But more and more I am finding that the product offerings from individual programmers don’t make the cut. They are often unique and sometimes some of their features are even better than the leading software, but they usually have lacks I can’t work around, such as no Android version, complex interfaces and falling behind on features. This makes me think they aren’t a good investment of my time to learn because I am not sure they are going to make it.

I tested over 30 different project management software programs some months ago. I had a very clear favourite, but it wasn’t set up well for collaboration with others, so I went with my second choice which is a larger company with multiple programmers able to work on new features.

Sad, because I really preferred my first choice but my time investment is critical and I need tools I can recommend to and train others on. My second choice will actually cost me more than the first.

I think more business users are getting like I am - willing to pay more for more features and support. So I am worried that this might be sounding the death knell for innovative single programmers to get traction against the larger software companies.