This past November 2017, Fieldgenius wanted $295 to renew their $2195 software package for another year. The renewal date got away from me, my fault, I get that, but now 7 months later they want 300% of the standard $295 renewal cost, or $895. This is punative. This is nothing but a punishment scheme. They can do what they darn well want to do, but there is no way to justify this. And, I had just paid $1095 in November 2016 to upgrade from Fieldgenius 2012. This may not be the appropriate place, and this may not be the appropriate way to complain, but this a screwing and you don't even get a box of chocolates. Leica Captivate is beginning to look a whole lot better.
Sorry, Fieldgenius, you just run off a 10 year customer. I liked Fieldgenius, but this is too much money to maintain a $2195 software package.
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My recent history:
November 2016, $1095 to upgrade from Fieldgenius 2012
One year 7 months later, another $895 to renew
Total $1990 upgrade/renew over 1 year, 7 months time frame ($1095 + $895 = $1990)
This, for software that cost $2195 to outright purchase (premium package)
So is it the case that if you don't "renew", the software stops working?
The Autodesk/Trimble business model would seem to be contagious.
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I bought this stuff a few years back. Got a call two months later to purchase their update plan. ?ÿI'm sorry... That's a bad business model. ?ÿThanks Carlson for not being a d-bag company. ?ÿ
I have Fieldgenius v9.2.22.2, and to get v9.3.25.0 (latest) will cost $895. The version I have will not run my Leica GS18t, but the newer versions will. My Leica Captivate runs it however, and I am getting used to it.
I actually do not have a problem with the $295 one year Fieldgenius renewal on their $2195 software. I do have a problem paying a triple the cost penalty (eg $895) when/if you are late.
A few examples of what I am paying
One year renewal for Pix4dMapper, $199 ($8700 software package)
AutoCad charged $700 for one year renewal
Carlson Civil/Survey package for one year renewal is $397.50
So is it the case that if you don't "renew", the software stops working?
It should still work. However, one will not get updates or upgrades unless they buy into the maintenance plan.
I'm not particularly fond of the business model, either, especially when most- if not all- of my side work is volunteer for one specific NPO (so far) and I'm the one shelling out the $$ to stay up-to-date.
I've kept my Star*Net Standard maintenance subscription current since I bought it four years ago, and I also recently purchased FG which adds maintenance cost that I'm not thrilled about. One really should get a maintenance discount IMO if they have more than one MicroSurvey product in their arsenal that is being kept current.?ÿ
So is it the case that if you don't "renew", the software stops working?
No, Microsurvey will continue working even if you don't renew.?ÿ I'm on an old version 6.0.9.10 (on a CHC LT-30) because anything above that works in strange ways and locks up with the equipment I have - a Sokkia SRX.?ÿ ?ÿ
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Feel lucky you aren't using any Bentley products.?ÿ The prices you list are a drop in the hat in their world.?ÿ For example, a 30 minute overrun of a single Bentley license of Power Inroads or Watercad can run you close to $2,000!?ÿ Yes, $2,000.
Just budget your software costs and add it to your overhead rate and keep up on it yearly.?ÿ Its not like the olden days and it will not change.?ÿ Keep up on it each year and it becomes easier to handle on all levels.
Does the maintenance/upgrade fees also include technical support or some other perk??ÿ
I have heard that the "punitive" charges to re-enable a license are because people will let the maintenance lapse and then renew only when they need an upgrade/technical support/other perk.?ÿ
I'm not defending this practice, just reporting what I've heard.
I am no Microsurvey expert but they had an upgrade to Field Genius this spring if I recall correctly. So the price in November was for last years model, the price at that time was probably a close-out of sort. I can understand why they want to charge more for improved code/features. No different than any other product.?ÿ
Several years ago they instituted the maintenance plan which I believe includes upgrades as they come along. I didn't like it at the time, but why should they continue to improve and expand the a useful product without expecting compensation. After all, they are not surveyors.
BTW, my annual maintenance fee is reasonable and comes with technical support.?ÿ
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This past November 2017, Fieldgenius wanted $295 to renew their $2195 software package for another year. The renewal date got away from me, my fault, I get that, but now 7 months later they want 300% of the standard $295 renewal cost, or $895. This is punative. This is nothing but a punishment scheme. They can do what they darn well want to do, but there is no way to justify this. And, I had just paid $1095 in November 2016 to upgrade from Fieldgenius 2012. This may not be the appropriate place, and this may not be the appropriate way to complain, but this a screwing and you don't even get a box of chocolates. Leica Captivate is beginning to look a whole lot better.
Sorry, Fieldgenius, you just run off a 10 year customer. I liked Fieldgenius, but this is too much money to maintain a $2195 software package.
?ÿ
My recent history:
November 2016, $1095 to upgrade from Fieldgenius 2012
One year 7 months later, another $895 to renew
Total $1990 upgrade/renew over 1 year, 7 months time frame ($1095 + $895 = $1990)
This, for software that cost $2195 to outright purchase (premium package)
On a side note, isn't mircrosurvey now under hexagon group, which owns leica as well??ÿ
Looks like it is:
I hope the OP isn't now feeling like the lady in this GIF:
