Editing Shareware (section)

=== Trialware ===
Trialware or {{visible anchor|Demoware|text=demoware}} is a program that limits the time that it can be effectively used, commonly via a built-in time limit, number of uses, or only allowing progression up to a certain point (e.g. in video games, see [[Game demo]]).<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.ludoscience.com/files/ressources/EtudeIDATE08_UK(1).pdf|title=Serious Games: Advergaming, edugaming, training and more|last1=Alvarez|first1=Julian|last2=Michaud|first2=Laurent|publisher=[[DigiWorld by IDATE|IDATE]]|date=July 2008|access-date=2022-06-04|page=45|isbn=978-2-84822-169-4}}</ref> The user can try out the fully featured program until the trial period is up, and then most trialware reverts to either a reduced-functionality (freemium, nagware, or crippleware) or non-functional mode, unless the user purchases a full version.<ref>Flynn, Laurie (November 14, 1993). "[https://www.newspapers.com/image/744036070 Cheap, Easy Shareware Big Business]". ''Knight-Ridder Newspapers''. Sun Herald (Biloxi, Mississippi). p. C7.</ref> Trialware has become normalized for online Software as a Service (SaaS).{{Citation needed|reason=Who says so? No mention of freeware or trial periods in SaaS page.|date=March 2020}} [[WinRAR]] is a notable example of an unlimited trialware, i.e. a program that retains its full functionality even after the trial period has ended.

The rationale behind trialware is to give potential users the opportunity to try out the program to judge its usefulness before purchasing a license.  According to industry research firm Softletter, 66% of online companies surveyed had free-trial-to-paying-customer conversion rates of 25% or less. SaaS providers employ a wide range of strategies to nurture leads, and convert them into paying customers.