Re: GNAT Support Costs

[Simon Wright <simon@pogner.demon.co.uk>]

Robert Kirkbride <rob@laptop.demon.co.uk> writes:

> I have recently made enquiries about using GNAT for a small project
> (typically only 1 programmer) and was staggered to find out the
> support costs. Really I was just after buying a product that I knew
> I would get new releases for as and when they came out and feel like
> I'm not just using a product for free.

If you feel you _ought_ to pay for what you use, that's laudable. You
might consider donating a suitable amount to the FSF?

If you're worried about the availability of GNAT support at all, check
out GNAT chat, people are helpful there.

> Because ACT seem to assume the smallest project will involve 10
> programmers I am forced to have to consider another compiler.

You have to check out what it is you're getting for your money, and
for how long. If you get a single copy of a compiler for a certain
amount, as against ACT support for 9 more people than you need at
considerably more, what is the support you will get like? you might
find you can only raise a few incidents per year, for example. And
there may be ongoing charges for subsequent years, too.

> I know Rational do an Ada95 compiler, not sure which platforms it
> resides on.  My preferred platform is Linux but it could also be
> Compaq Tru64 Unix.

Your preferred platforms are likely to limit you a bit. What's your
target platform?

> Does anyone have any recommendations of cheaper compilers that cater
> for small projects?

Aonix, perhaps?