Why distribute free software?

Question

Marketing

Recently I asked myself: "Why do giants (and not only) distribute a lot of free software and services?"
What is the profit? How can I monetize my work if I distribute the software I developed for free?

Answer 1

For example, paid support, paid extended version

Answer 2

is no different from the trial dose,
except for the conversion, well, and more coverage

Answer 3

Why do giants (and not only) distribute a lot of free software and services?

just because no one will distribute completely free software. there is always either a paid tariff, or if not yet, it will be.

How can I monetize my work if I distribute the software I developed for free?

advertising. what is so difficult?

Answer 4

Firstly, it is an advertisement for yourself loved ones. After all, in addition to free, there are also paid services. And they are much more pleasant to buy when you are already familiar with the brand.
Secondly, the value is the audience itself. That is, even if nothing is advertised to it now and in the near future, the very presence of an audience (access to it) is still valuable. Then this audience can be used or sold, no matter how strange it may sound.

Answer 5

It should start with the fact that not everyone and not always think in terms of product monetization. Many sincerely want to be useful. Even mega-corporations can carry out part of their activities on a charitable basis, not only in order to increase advertising and fame, but also as an expression of the idea of ​​their social duty to humanity, the responsibility of the wealthier to the less wealthy.