We're continuing our annual look at the most influencial, ground-breaking, or otherwise important stories of 2010. In addition to our own staff, we consulted with some industry experts including ACB Radio Main Menu's Jamie Pauls, the Blind Geek Zone's Rick Harmon and Ranger from the Ranger Station Blog to help create our list. We'll present one item every day until we reach number 1. Today, a Different Approach to Buying a Screenn
Reader.
With the high cost of traditional screen readers, it's nice to know there are other options available. This is not a statement that could be made more than a couple of years ago, but the free NVDA screen reader and our number 8 entry are changing this. Serotek announced early this year the ability to rent System Access for less than $10 a month. For those who already have a license for another screen reader, this may not be a big deal. But for the vast majority of blind and visually impaired individuals who still do not have a computer, this helps to remove one of the biggest barriers to entry. Rick Harmon adds, "Serotek has over the last several years been working on ways to reduce the cost of screen readers and other access technology to the blind community. Build a bundle is just one of the latest steps in the process. Now you can have screen reader access for as little as $9.95 a month. While there are free screen readers out there like NVDA, Serotek is providing a great low cost solution for those people that don’t want to try to figure out an ever changing free product and at the same time get top class support for that $9.95 a month. I commend Serotek for their on going efforts to make assistive technology affordable to the common person and this is why I voted for them to be in the top 10 of 2010."
Build-a-bundle is also a representation of the future of software dlivery, with more and more products being sold as a subscription service. This often lowers or eliminates up-front costs while allowing for ongoing support for minimal expense. It remains to be seen whether this model will spread to other software for the visually impaired, such as magnifiers or GPS applications. Serotek's Build-a-Bundle is number 8 on our list. We'll talk to you again tomorrow when we continue the list with number 7.
Category: Articles
Thank you for reminding me of this amazing bargain. I'll be checking it out very shortly. Your service is excellent! Have a wonderful New Year!
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
