When it comes to closed-type programs, it’s essential to understand how they work and the strategies they use to keep users locked in. Closed-type programs are software applications that have restrictions on their use.

These programs may be limited to particular hardware or be available only to a specific group of users. Their source code is not open for modification, and users are not free to customize or modify them in any way.

Unlike open-source software, closed-type programs are controlled by their developers. This means that users must adhere to the limitations and terms set by the program’s creators.

Although some closed-type programs can be useful, they often use deceptive strategies to keep users locked in, such as forcing customers to subscribe to a service to continue using the program or holding users’ data hostage.

Subscription Scams

One of the most common deceptive strategies used by closed-type programs is a subscription scam. When you purchase a subscription for a closed-type program, you think you’re buying full access to the software.

However, what you’re actually getting is access to the program for a limited time period. Once this period has expired, you will be prompted to renew your subscription to keep using the program. If you don’t renew your subscription, your access to the software will be denied.

Often, the renewal fees are exorbitant, and users end up paying more for the subscription than they would for a one-time purchase.

In some cases, the closed-type program may continue to charge the user after they’ve canceled their subscription or deny them access to their account, hoping to keep earning money from the customer.

Data Hostage

Closed-type programs are notorious for holding users’ data hostage. Once a user has started using the software, they will be encouraged to save their work using the program.

In some cases, the closed-type program will then make it difficult or impossible for users to export their data into another file format or to share their data with other applications.

This strategy is another way for closed-type programs to keep users locked in. By not allowing users to export their data, software developers hope to keep their customers trapped within their program’s ecosystem.

This way, users can’t switch to another program without losing their data.

Hidden Fees

Closed-type programs often use hidden fees to catch their customers off guard.

In some cases, users may not realize they are being charged until they receive their credit card statement, or the charges may be disguised as other fees, such as a ‘service charge’.

Another tactic is to offer a basic version of the software that is free and then charge users for additional features.

These additional features usually come at a high cost, and users end up paying more than they would if the software was sold as a one-time purchase. This strategy is known as the ‘freemium model’, and it is used by many closed-type programs such as VPN services and antivirus software.

Hardware Compatibility

Closed-type programs may also use hardware compatibility as a way to keep users locked in. A program may only be compatible with certain devices or operating systems, making it challenging for users to switch to other devices or software.

This strategy is often used by smartphone manufacturers to keep users in their ecosystem.

For example, if a user has an iPhone, they will have to use the App Store to download applications. If they switch to Android, they will need to use Google Play Store.

By making it difficult for users to switch devices, closed-type programs are betting that users will stick with their current hardware and software ecosystem.

Missing Features

Closed-type programs may also lack essential features that users need. For example, an electronic medical records software (EMR) may lack a clinical decision support system (CDSS).

When looking for an EMR, a user may read that a particular program is the best in the market. But once the user starts using the program, they may realize that it lacks the essential features that they need.

This strategy is used by closed-type programs to keep users locked in. If the user has invested a lot of time and effort in learning how to use the program, they may be reluctant to switch to a different one, even if it has the features that they need.

Proprietary File Formats

Closed-type programs may use proprietary file formats, making it difficult for users to open and modify files created within the program. This strategy is often used by companies that offer graphic design, video editing, and sound editing software.

Users might find it challenging to switch to a different program, especially if they created a lot of files using the closed-type program’s file format, hoping to avoid the hassle of converting the files to a new format.

This strategy helps closed-type programs to keep their customers, as users often feel locked in because they can’t modify their files using the software of their choice.

Lack of Transparency

Closed-type programs often lack full transparency regarding the data they collect from users. Users might not realize that closed-type programs are collecting data such as their browsing history, search history, and clickstream data.

This strategy is used by closed-type programs to collect more data about their users. By collecting data, they can better understand their users’ behavior and preferences, which allows them to tailor their program to the user’s needs.

Aggressive Marketing

Closed-type programs often use aggressive marketing tactics to promote their product. These tactics might include pop-ups that appear on the user’s screen when they’re browsing the web or emails that get sent to the user’s inbox.

This strategy is used by closed-type programs to attract new users and to keep existing users locked in. By using aggressive marketing tactics, closed-type programs hope to dissuade users from switching to another product.

Conclusion

Closed-type programs use various deceptive strategies to keep users locked in. From subscription scams to proprietary file formats and aggressive marketing, these strategies are often used to keep users trapped within a particular software ecosystem.

To avoid falling prey to these strategies, users should carefully read the software’s terms and conditions before purchasing it and be aware of the limitations and restrictions of the program they’re using.