Software naming conventoin

[flipper35]

My boss had a conversation with some consultants. The name of the software used to end in Lite. This was switched to Light and now the consultant says the name should end in Lite. To me, in software, Lite means the lesser version of a package.

The software is yard management for the trucking industry.

What are your opinions?

[oldE]

So is it a lower capability version or is it intended to shed light on the trucks in the yard?

Consultants are people you pay to look at your watch and tell you the time.

Best
Les

[dw1]

"Lite" has a well-known connotation meaning the less than the full product and a product that is missing some key features and/or benefits.

Remember "Lite" beer? ;-)

Seriously, one should remember Autocad Lite, Maya Lite and many other software products.

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Per PC Magazine (https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/lite-version):

Defintion of "lite version:
An abbreviated version of a software application that is either bundled with a new computer or freely available from a website. The lite version (light version) may have limited functionality or be supported by advertisements, or both. Lite versions typically have no tech support. Upgrading to the full version for a fee eliminates the ads or invokes more program features, and tech support maybe provided. See shareware and freemium.
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One has to take consultants inputs with a very large grain of salt. Throughout my career, I've received a wide variety of consultants' inputs - some good, some completely worthless (and even counterproductive), and some in-between.

Remember too, that very often a "consultant" is someone who isn't valuable enough to an organization to justify full-time employment.

[flipper35]

It is to shed light on where the trailers are and their status.

[oldE]

Your boss got some bad advice.
"Light" it should remain.

Best
Les

[flipper35]

That was my thought as well and told him as much when he told me what they said. They think Lite implies we are nimble and can start fast. I think Lite implies it is not a full fledged product.

[stomachmonkey]

Lite is less a less featured product and or the "free" version that gives the customer a hands on experience that entices them to pay for the full suite.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by flipper35

It is to shed light on where the trailers are and their status.

Unless the software aims a light at the specific trailer, 'light/lite' has nothing to do with the feature of the software. I think it should end with the suffix "ator," as in locator or indicator.

Your company is Exoctrac, correct? And there is a 'lite' version YardTrac Lite.

"ator" doesn't work well with that, so maybe YardTrac Ease? "Basic"?

I wonder why not YardTracker.

[dw1]

Unfortunately, the consultant is flat-out wrong and apparently doesn't know what they are talking about. "Lite" in software naming has no connotation of being fast or nimble, but has the VERY well known connotation to a less-featured product.

There is a potential upside, as "lite" also can also indicate a simplified version, with a easier-to-use UI.

Please do a quick web search on software named "lite" and see what you come up with. Better yet, suggest that your boss does that.

I worked in product development for many years, and worked closely with the Marketing folks on naming new products (and the market research that went into that) and can tell you that product naming is often not simple and that lots of "consultants" are clueless in this area. By naming the product new product "lite", I strongly believe the market potential would be limited out of the gate, and the potential customers would be: 1) asking where the full version is, and 2) wondering why they should pay for "lite" version.

[Alan A]

Lite = S*i*e.

Nuff said. You may as well call it -shareware and truly give it the kiss of death.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Unless the software aims a light at the specific trailer, 'light/lite' has nothing to do with the feature of the software. I think it should end with the suffix "ator," as in locator or indicator.

Your company is Exoctrac, correct? And there is a 'lite' version YardTrac Lite.

"ator" doesn't work well with that, so maybe YardTrac Ease? "Basic"?

I wonder why not YardTracker.

Spot Light is us.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by dw1

Unfortunately, the consultant is flat-out wrong and apparently doesn't know what they are talking about. "Lite" in software naming has no connotation of being fast or nimble, but has the VERY well known connotation to a less-featured product.

There is a potential upside, as "lite" also can also indicate a simplified version, with a easier-to-use UI.

Please do a quick web search on software named "lite" and see what you come up with. Better yet, suggest that your boss does that.

I worked in product development for many years, and worked closely with the Marketing folks on naming new products (and the market research that went into that) and can tell you that product naming is often not simple and that lots of "consultants" are clueless in this area. By naming the product new product "lite", I strongly believe the market potential would be limited out of the gate, and the potential customers would be: 1) asking where the full version is, and 2) wondering why they should pay for "lite" version.

Had this conversation and now that I have all of you to back me on it, he is now going to talk to the consultants. Even though I have been software before and in IT for 30 years, he didn't seem to want to take just my word on it.

[oldE]

Your boss should be billing the consultants for teaching them something.

Best
Les

[john70t]

The extra words should distinguish it from the original vanilla version.
-What is different?
-What does it specifically do?
-Call it that.

[dw1]

Originally Posted by flipper35

Had this conversation and now that I have all of you to back me on it, he is now going to talk to the consultants. Even though I have been software before and in IT for 30 years, he didn't seem to want to take just my word on it.

You know, your boss could be taking the consultant's advice just so he had someone to blame it on if it flops.

Management is sometimes gamesmanship, especially when it comes to getting credit for successes and laying blame for failures.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by john70t

The extra words should distinguish it from the original vanilla version.
-What is different?
-What does it specifically do?
-Call it that.

This is the only name for the three levels of software you can get.

DW, The parent company hired the consultants to talk with him. Doesn't mean he has to listen.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by dw1

You know, your boss could be taking the consultant's advice just so he had someone to blame it on if it flops.

So the fate of a multi-billion dollar company rests on a single-entity LLC.
Brilliant !!!

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by dw1

Management is sometimes gamesmanship, especially when it comes to getting credit for successes and laying blame for failures.

There is an element of truth here.

Seen it a bunch of times.

[Icemaster]

Originally Posted by flipper35

What are your opinions?

I'm a consultant. I get paid to beat the shyte out of other consultants when they do stupid crap like this. Sometimes I work for free.

This is a stupid consultant. Hit the 'ignore' button and flush them out the door.

People like this do no favors for people like me.

[island911]

Go with Lyte

I'll send them a bill.