Never seen this before.
And it looks pretty clever.
Grandstream has announced a $1 beta for its new HD IP dome camera in what it calls its 'Beta Club'.
The beta tester gets the camera essentially for free. The manufacturer gets some feedback about how well the product works.
Positives
A few positives I see:
- Good marketing campaign to build awareness and interest (similar but better than ACTi's early offer pricing).
- Increase likelihood that new integrators will consider / use your products overall
- Hear issues / problems early
Alternative Approaches
Many manufacturers give away free beta units to their most loyal / technical integrators to get feedback that way.
This is fine but you don't get the marketing / promotional benefits of it.
Last, and least, there is Arecont's beta approach. Pay full price, force you to repeatedly upgrade firmware, yell at you when the product does not work.