Just got an E-mail from Autodesk letting me know that now that they have been operating under the rental scheme (which doubled the cost of the software), it is now too expensive to allow customers to remain on maintenance subscription. They have implemented a subscription cost increase schedule (to scare people into dropping their maintenance plans and switching to rental).
+5% in 2017, +10% in 2018, and +20% in 2019
Anybody want to bet that there won't be a significant change in the .dwg format next year?
I just had a brief discussion with a coworker about Autocad. At work, we have Autocad light 2010. A number of clients have moved to more recent versions. I got tired of having to convert every single drawing using Trueview to our version (and Trueview can't deal with dfx files, only dwg).
So, I did some digging and found Draftsight which allows downloading a free to use version (2d, fine for my use). The full version costs about $500. Very familiar format (though not exact) to Autocad. Command line input, the same commands we all know and love from Autocad.
The coworker asked why we still use Autocad. After some brief thought, I answered that it was likely due to people simply not knowing about the alternatives. At this point, I might hazard a guess that Autocad (ok, Autodesk) is in the process of pricing themselves right out of the market.
Yes, I have heard plenty of complaints about Autodesk pricing, but not enough folks seem willing to actually take the plunge to other options. Perhaps when that happens, Autodesk may (we can only hope) get the message.
We will more than likely cease maintenance subscription payments and begin allowing our current licenses to age.
If they can keep at least 2/3's of their customers they will come out OK charging twice the price.
imaudigger, post: 417337, member: 7286 wrote: We will more than likely cease maintenance subscription payments and begin allowing our current licenses to age.
If they can keep at least 2/3's of their customers they will come out OK charging twice the price.
We did that back in 2010 after C3D came out. Used if for about 5 years and then jumped back on the ACAD Maintenance program. Now we are looking at just stopping this year and staying with 2018 for a few years. We have Carlson which comes with ICad. Been looking at ICad. Program is getting better and better. There are some missed commands, but nothing that can't be remedy with a work-around.
Yup, I am hearing decent things about the latest version of Intellicad. No reason to go that route until Carlson stops supporting this latest version. We expressed our frustration last year and dropped 2 seats of Autocad...how much you want to bet that in a couple years Autodesk will stop providing authorization codes for older software?
James Vianna, post: 417322, member: 120 wrote: www.generalcadd.com
2D ? That just won' cut it in my world.
For what I do, Carlson has met my needs. Never had a problem with my clients using whatever I produce. 2d or 3d.
imaudigger, post: 417337, member: 7286 wrote: We will more than likely cease maintenance subscription payments and begin allowing our current licenses to age.
If they can keep at least 2/3's of their customers they will come out OK charging twice the price.
Problem with that is any version 2017 and newer, after the subscription service is up, you can no longer use the program, the new subscription model is you rent the software for 1 year. Carlson with Intellicad is the way I'm moving forward.
VA LS 2867, post: 417349, member: 1444 wrote: Problem with that is any version 2017 and newer, after the subscription service is up, you can no longer use the program, the new subscription model is you rent the software for 1 year. Carlson with Intellicad is the way I'm moving forward.
Not completely accurate. People that had valid licenses AND continued to pay maintenance subscription, received updated versions of their licenses.
So we do have 2017 licenses and can use them as long as we are able.
Basically any promotional pricing that Autodesk has ever offered was followed up with strategic business model changes 2 years later.
Here is their latest "promotional offering".
Bear in mind that over a 10 year period, the subscription (rental) based software costs approx. twice as much as what we used to call "maintenance subscription". That is assuming that the cost for subscription (rental) does not increase any in 10 years.
===================================================================
Important Update
Hello,
We want to take a moment to share the direction Autodesk is headingÛÓsome upcoming changes that will affect your maintenance planÛÓand a special offer to move to subscription that you may want to consider.
We believe that subscribing is the best way for you to get the greatest value from our tools and technologiesÛÓand will fundamentally change how we deliver extended capabilities and new functionalities through connected services. ThatÛªs why weÛªre on a path toward becoming a subscription-only company. We will continue to invest heavily in our subscription offerings, to provide you with greater value through the following benefits:
Û¢
Latest and greatest product capabilities ÛÒ Get access to AutodeskÛªs ongoing stream of innovation, updates to core products, cloud services for desktop products, and additional capabilities as soon as they are available, at no additional cost.
Û¢
Access to new industry collections ÛÒ Available only through subscription, youÛªll realize significant savings when you need two or more Autodesk software products.
Û¢
New and improved support ÛÒ Enjoy faster response times and the option to receive help by scheduling a call with Autodesk technical support specialists.
Û¢
Simplified administration ÛÒ Access tools that streamline deployment and software management when you standardize all of your Autodesk products on subscription.
With our move to subscription, one thing has become clear to usÛÓmanaging two business models (subscriptions and maintenance plans) is quite costly. To continue supporting maintenance, beginning May 7, 2017, renewal prices will increase by 5% in 2017, 10% in 2018, and 20% in 2019. Also, you should be aware that maintenance plans can now only be renewed for one year at a time.
Now that weÛªve shared the direction weÛªre heading, weÛªd like to talk to you about a special offer to help you join us on the path toward subscriptionÛÓone that recognizes your loyalty and the value of your previous investments. Beginning June 2017, youÛªll be able to move your products on a maintenance plan to a subscription for up to 60% less than the cost of a new subscription. This discount will decrease by 5% in 2018 and another 5% in 2019, so the earlier you switch to a subscription, the less it will costÛÓand the more youÛªll save compared to those who wait to move, or choose to stay on maintenance. When you make the switch, youÛªll also be able to lock in your discounted price for up to three years and continue to receive discounted pricing for as long as you renew.
We know youÛªll probably have questions. These are big changes that weÛªre prepared to walk you through. Please see the FAQ for additional details and contact your Autodesk Sales Representative or Autodesk Reseller to discuss the options that best suit your technical and business needs.
Whether you choose to switch to a subscription or renew your maintenance plan, our promise is to continue to provide you best-in-class software, services, and support.
Sincerely,
Teresa Anania
Sr. Director, Subscriber Success
Autodesk
Correct, as long as you keep paying a subscription, you can use the software. There are no perpetual licenses going forward.
Adobe is doing the same thing with their "Creative Cloud" nonsense.
"Whether you choose to switch to a subscription or renew your maintenance plan, our promise is to continue to provide you best-in-class software, services, and support."
This is a LOAD of BS, unless by 'you' the mean 'you everyone' as opposed to 'you individually'.
VA LS 2867, post: 417363, member: 1444 wrote: Correct, as long as you keep paying a subscription, you can use the software. There are no perpetual licenses going forward.
There are no new perpetual licenses being sold going forward. Existing perpetual licenses can be upgraded each year as long as you continue paying a maintenance contract.
If you have a perpetual license and you stop paying a maintenance contract, you still have a perpetual license for whatever version you last updated to (2017 or 2018, ect.). They can't take away what you already bought.
At some point they will no longer offer the option of upgrading perpetual licenses.
That's why they are offering 30% off for switching to subscription (rental) based...you have to surrender your perpetual license as part of the subscription promotion. As well as pay $1400/year instead of $299/year.
At least that is how I understand it to work.
But hey - you get cloud services with your software!
bobwesterman, post: 417343, member: 7106 wrote: 2D ? That just won' cut it in my world.
mines 3d
