Pricing Strategy¶
This document defines ConnectSoft's pricing principles and models. It is written for product managers, sales, and anyone defining pricing for ConnectSoft's products and services.
ConnectSoft uses different pricing models for different product lines, optimized for each customer segment. We focus on value-based pricing that aligns with customer outcomes, not just costs.
Important
Pricing is value-based, tiered, transparent, and flexible. We offer multiple tiers to serve different customer segments, with clear pricing and no hidden fees. Enterprise customers can negotiate custom terms.
Pricing Principles¶
- Value-Based: Price based on value delivered, not cost
- Tiered: Multiple tiers to serve different customer segments
- Transparent: Clear pricing with no hidden fees
- Flexible: Options for different deployment models
Pricing by Product Line¶
AI Factory (.ai)¶
- Hosted SaaS: Per-seat + per-project, or usage-based credits
- Self-Host: Annual license + support contract
- Tiers: Basic, Pro, Enterprise
SaaS Platforms (.io)¶
- Subscription: Per-tenant, per-user, or per-event
- Tiers: Starter, Growth, Enterprise
- Self-Host: Enterprise license option
AI Squads¶
- Subscription: Monthly with outcome-based scope
- Tiers: Starter, Growth, Platform, Integration
- Minimum: 3-6 month commitments
Marketplace (Future)¶
- Revenue Share: 70/30 creator/ConnectSoft
- One-Time: Template/agent purchases
- Subscription: Marketplace access tiers
Competitive Positioning¶
vs Building In-House: - Faster time-to-value justifies premium - Lower TCO over time - Focus on value, not cost
vs Competitors: - More focused (SaaS/.NET/Azure) = competitive pricing - Can offer lighter tiers for smaller customers - Enterprise options match market rates
Pricing Principles¶
ConnectSoft follows these pricing principles:
- Value-Based - Price based on value delivered, not cost
- Tiered - Multiple tiers to serve different customer segments
- Transparent - Clear pricing with no hidden fees
- Flexible - Options for different deployment models
- Competitive - Competitive with alternatives (building in-house, competitors)
Factory Pricing Dimensions¶
| Pricing Lever | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Per-Seat | Number of users/developers | $X per developer per month |
| Per-Project | Number of projects/products | $Y per project per month |
| Usage-Based | Number of runs, code generated | $Z per 1,000 runs |
| Tiered Subscription | Starter/Pro/Enterprise tiers | Fixed monthly fee per tier |
Note
Factory pricing typically combines per-seat or per-project with usage-based components. Enterprise customers can negotiate custom terms.
SaaS Platforms Pricing Dimensions¶
| Pricing Lever | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Per-Tenant | Number of tenants/customers | $X per tenant per month |
| Per-User | Number of end users | $Y per user per month |
| Per-Event | Number of events/transactions | $Z per 1,000 events |
| Tiered Subscription | Starter/Growth/Enterprise tiers | Fixed monthly fee per tier |
Note
Platform pricing varies by platform. Identity may be per-user, Audit per-event, Config per-tenant. See individual platform pages for details.
Squads Pricing Dimensions¶
| Pricing Lever | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | Fixed monthly fee | $X per month |
| Outcome-Based | Based on deliverables | $Y per microservice |
| Tiered Subscription | Starter/Growth/Platform tiers | Fixed monthly fee per tier |
| Minimum Commitment | 3-6 month minimums | Required for most tiers |
Note
Squad pricing is primarily subscription-based with defined monthly outputs. Enterprise customers can negotiate custom terms and SLAs.
Marketplace Pricing Ideas¶
| Pricing Model | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Share | 70/30 creator/ConnectSoft | On template/agent sales |
| One-Time Purchase | Buy template/agent pack | $X one-time fee |
| Subscription | Marketplace access tiers | $Y per month for Pro tier |
| Usage-Based | Per execution for agents | $Z per 1,000 runs |
Note
Marketplace pricing is still being defined. Will launch with revenue share model, with options for one-time purchases and subscriptions.
Competitive Positioning¶
vs Building In-House¶
- Faster Time-to-Value - Justifies premium pricing
- Lower TCO - Over time, lower total cost of ownership
- Focus on Value - Price based on value, not cost
vs Competitors¶
- More Focused - SaaS/.NET/Azure specialization = competitive pricing
- Lighter Tiers - Can offer lighter tiers for smaller customers
- Enterprise Options - Match market rates for enterprise
Related Documents¶
- Factory Business Model - Detailed Factory pricing
- SaaS Platforms Model - Detailed platform pricing
- Squads Business Model - Detailed squad pricing
- BDR-0004: AI Squads Pricing Model - Pricing decision