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Do I NEED subscription?

20 REPLIES 20
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Message 1 of 21
pbyrnej
1449 Views, 20 Replies

Do I NEED subscription?

I'm trying to understand subscription and how it works. Is it REQUIRED to get basic patches/fixes to their own software? Or is it like Window's operating software where you buy the software and updates/patches are PART of the deal?

If I DON'T get the subscription, what will I exactly NOT be able to do or get?

I don't need all the other stuff that they offer, I just want to make sure that my software, which I'm going to pay $4,000 for, is going to get the fixes/updates that it NEEDS to correct bugs and software errors.
20 REPLIES 20
Message 2 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

What software are you talking about? Some are "Subscription Only". Most
aren't. The basic answer would be; If you can go to the web site and
download a patch now - you could do it after you bought your software.

What subscription does is get you the next release at no extra charge. I've
never known autodesk to restrict patches.

Whether Subscription is right for you (on a non subscription only product)
depends on how often you want to upgrade to the next version and how you
want to budget the upgrades.

Allen

wrote in message news:5746436@discussion.autodesk.com...
I'm trying to understand subscription and how it works. Is it REQUIRED to
get basic patches/fixes to their own software? Or is it like Window's
operating software where you buy the software and updates/patches are PART
of the deal?

If I DON'T get the subscription, what will I exactly NOT be able to do or
get?

I don't need all the other stuff that they offer, I just want to make sure
that my software, which I'm going to pay $4,000 for, is going to get the
fixes/updates that it NEEDS to correct bugs and software errors.
Message 3 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

You do not need to be on subscription for software patches, ADT06 anyway.
There are a few perks for going subscription but you will need to read the
"fine print" to determine what they are for the product you are looking at.
We have a number of licenses, one of which is on subscription so we get the
new software for review.

ACote
wrote in message news:5746436@discussion.autodesk.com...
I'm trying to understand subscription and how it works. Is it REQUIRED to
get basic patches/fixes to their own software? Or is it like Window's
operating software where you buy the software and updates/patches are PART
of the deal?

If I DON'T get the subscription, what will I exactly NOT be able to do or
get?

I don't need all the other stuff that they offer, I just want to make sure
that my software, which I'm going to pay $4,000 for, is going to get the
fixes/updates that it NEEDS to correct bugs and software errors.
Message 4 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

AutoCAD patches are still free:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/linkedsumindex?siteID=123112&id=2334430&linkID=9240618

So are all other AutoCAD based versions.

Subscription gets you a discount on the next version, every year, and you
get Autodesk exclusive access to technical support and troubleshooting, all
cost extra if you are not on subscription. If you actually know how to use
AutoCAD, this is not needed, is you're a newb and/or think you need a lot of
guidance, it's worth it.

--
Dean Saadallah
http://LTisACAD.blogspot.com
Add-on products for LT
http://www.pendean.com/lt
--
Message 5 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

"What subscription does is get you the next release at no extra charge."

Oooo...I want one of your subscription deals since mine costs me
$1K/seat/year.

The subscription gets you the newest version as it's released and better
tech support options, among other things. Considering that Autodesk is
seemingly retiring versions that are 4 yrs old (requiring you to buy a full
seat to upgrade) it's practically a wash to be on subscription or "upgrade"
after 4 yrs.

Josh
Message 6 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

Unfortunately, the main reason to be on subscription is cost savings. Since
Autodesk has gone to this dubious yearly release cycle, is's simply cheaper
to stay on subscription. The upgrade may be $500 per release, (now yearly),
and subscription might be $400/year.

So you say, "I'm planning on skipping a few years between upgrading, so why
subscription?". Well, Autodesk also changed their upgrade pricing scenario,
so that now, even if you skip one or more cycles, they still charge you the
cumulative total. For example, $500 for next release, $1000, if you've
skipped one, $1500 if you've skipped two, etc, so subscription end up
costing you less. 'Terrible business, IMHO, but the Adesk bean counters love
it! Just check who's been cashing in at Autodesk, and how many millionaires
we're creating there: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/it?s=adsk

John

wrote in message news:5746436@discussion.autodesk.com...
I'm trying to understand subscription and how it works. Is it REQUIRED to
get basic patches/fixes to their own software? Or is it like Window's
operating software where you buy the software and updates/patches are PART
of the deal?

If I DON'T get the subscription, what will I exactly NOT be able to do or
get?

I don't need all the other stuff that they offer, I just want to make sure
that my software, which I'm going to pay $4,000 for, is going to get the
fixes/updates that it NEEDS to correct bugs and software errors.
Message 7 of 21
pbyrnej
in reply to: pbyrnej

Sorry I didn't state which software I was planning to buy. I'm going to by AutoCAD 2008.

So patches/fixes are still free even WITHOUT subscription?
Message 8 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

With AutoCAD 2008, you will not get e-learning and autodesk technical
support - meaning you can't submit trouble tickets to Autodesk and have
someone work with you to resolve the issue. You WILL have access to the
online knowledge base and all service packs, patches, bug fixes, etc.

As for it being cheaper in the long run - in my experience it certainly has
been cheaper to stay on subscription than to wait for "the good deal" from a
reseller before the software expires. But then it all depends on your
business. If your business requires coordination between other people or
companies that are or will be using the latest-greatest, then subscription
may make sense beyond just the hard cost of the subscription plan. If you're
on your own, so to speak, and you can use whatever as long as it comes out
in DWG format, then subscription may not mean as much.


wrote in message news:5746436@discussion.autodesk.com...
I'm trying to understand subscription and how it works. Is it REQUIRED to
get basic patches/fixes to their own software? Or is it like Window's
operating software where you buy the software and updates/patches are PART
of the deal?

If I DON'T get the subscription, what will I exactly NOT be able to do or
get?

I don't need all the other stuff that they offer, I just want to make sure
that my software, which I'm going to pay $4,000 for, is going to get the
fixes/updates that it NEEDS to correct bugs and software errors.
Message 9 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

One thing also to consider.
Some of the product short-comings aren't addressed until the next release. Patches and hot-fixes are seldom published for old versions.
Message 10 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

You can always download all patches for free, even if you don't have or own
the software.
(dunno what you'd do wif da patch if ya didn't have the software)

Leo


wrote in message news:5746784@discussion.autodesk.com...
Sorry I didn't state which software I was planning to buy. I'm going to by
AutoCAD 2008.

So patches/fixes are still free even WITHOUT subscription?
Message 11 of 21
steve216586
in reply to: pbyrnej

No.
Message 12 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

With Autodesk yearly new version releasing scheme, some known or yet-to-know
bugs in older version (any version which is not latest release) most likely
never get fixed, they just too busy meeting new release deadline. If you are
unfortunately caught by such stuff, you may have to live with it, or shell
out another $4000 for latest version if the not fixed bug really bothers
you.


wrote in message news:5746784@discussion.autodesk.com...
Sorry I didn't state which software I was planning to buy. I'm going to by
AutoCAD 2008.

So patches/fixes are still free even WITHOUT subscription?
Message 13 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

Yah. But they don't charge you any Extra when they send the next release.
They don't even charge shipping and handling : )

Your paying up front for the next release. So February is probably a good
time to start a Subscription contract.

I like subscription because I can give a good idea want it will const next
year and that line appears in the budget every year. Saves me a lot of time
justifying the expense. At least to Budget and Finance.

Allen

"Josh" wrote in message
news:5746690@discussion.autodesk.com...
"What subscription does is get you the next release at no extra charge."

Oooo...I want one of your subscription deals since mine costs me
$1K/seat/year.

The subscription gets you the newest version as it's released and better
tech support options, among other things. Considering that Autodesk is
seemingly retiring versions that are 4 yrs old (requiring you to buy a full
seat to upgrade) it's practically a wash to be on subscription or "upgrade"
after 4 yrs.

Josh
Message 14 of 21
wundrlik
in reply to: pbyrnej

What you have to look at in the long run is the ROI (Return On Investment). I recently ran the numbers and found the following (taken directly from my report to the bean-counter gods) - these prices are based on a total of 70 licenses of products (A2k8, ACA2k8, revit arch 2k8, a2k8 LT and 3dsMax):

However, if we stay on subscription, next year the total cost to keep current drops to around $18,000 per year (assuming we purchase no additional seats), and as long as we do not need more seats of AutoCAD, we can budget this expense into our operating budget each year. Without subscription, our cost to upgrade our licenses the first year is about $27,000. The cost to upgrade the second year jumps to just over $40,000, the cost the third year goes up to just over $50,000 and in year 4 the cost jumps significantly to over $102,000. The subscription method pays for itself very quickly. We’d have to wait only (2) years between upgrades to realize the benefit of staying on subscription. After year 4 we would realize an overall savings of over $20,000 – enough to pay for year 5 of the subscription. These numbers are based on the current pricing structure and historical data from previous upgrade costs and if the trend continues, there should be another 5 to 10 percent increase in the prices over the next 4 years. Also, on the subscription plan, we do have access to support and other areas in the Autodesk framework for support that would not be available otherwise.

This being said, getting on and keeping a subscription current will end up costing less in the long run. You will also have the perks of the subscription center and automatically getting the new versions as they are released.

My 2 cents worth.

Ryan A Wunderlich
Message 15 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

You shouldn't of said that here. Now Autodesk will feel slighted and raise
subscription fees. This is a big loss to them. Thats a big savings, but
though, but I understand this purpose and our company is on subscription,
but I still have a sour taste with *each* year we force fed upgrades with
very little improvement. Sometimes I feel like we pay these fee's to play
hide and seek with the toolbars.



wrote in message news:5747290@discussion.autodesk.com...
What you have to look at in the long run is the ROI (Return On Investment).
I recently ran the numbers and found the following (taken directly from my
report to the bean-counter gods) - these prices are based on a total of 70
licenses of products (A2k8, ACA2k8, revit arch 2k8, a2k8 LT and 3dsMax):

However, if we stay on subscription, next year the total cost to keep
current drops to around $18,000 per year (assuming we purchase no additional
seats), and as long as we do not need more seats of AutoCAD, we can budget
this expense into our operating budget each year. Without subscription, our
cost to upgrade our licenses the first year is about $27,000. The cost to
upgrade the second year jumps to just over $40,000, the cost the third year
goes up to just over $50,000 and in year 4 the cost jumps significantly to
over $102,000. The subscription method pays for itself very quickly. We'd
have to wait only (2) years between upgrades to realize the benefit of
staying on subscription. After year 4 we would realize an overall savings of
over $20,000 - enough to pay for year 5 of the subscription. These numbers
are based on the current pricing structure and historical data from previous
upgrade costs and if the trend continues, there should be another 5 to 10
percent increase in the prices over the next 4 years. Also, on the
subscription plan, we do have access to support and other areas in the
Autodesk framework for support that would not be available otherwise.

This being said, getting on and keeping a subscription current will end up
costing less in the long run. You will also have the perks of the
subscription center and automatically getting the new versions as they are
released.

My 2 cents worth.

Ryan A Wunderlich
Message 16 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

Auto desk has a screwy policy where they almost seem to intentionally leave
bugs un-patched as an attempt to force you to use current software, or in
other words stay on subscription. Everything they do is geared towards the
intent to get you on subscription and keep you there. They don't try to
sell you a new version based on you wanting the new features, instead try to
make it painful for you not to use it.




wrote in message news:5746436@discussion.autodesk.com...
I'm trying to understand subscription and how it works. Is it REQUIRED to
get basic patches/fixes to their own software? Or is it like Window's
operating software where you buy the software and updates/patches are PART
of the deal?

If I DON'T get the subscription, what will I exactly NOT be able to do or
get?

I don't need all the other stuff that they offer, I just want to make sure
that my software, which I'm going to pay $4,000 for, is going to get the
fixes/updates that it NEEDS to correct bugs and software errors.
Message 17 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

This is a little off topic, but you might ask the bean counter to look into
multiple year subscriptions. If you're not adding seats, it's great and if
you you do add seats, it's not too bad. We went to a 3 year subscription for
21 seats, got a 10% discount on each subscription and then we put the whole
thing on a three year lease. So we make a monthly payment instead of having
to pass the big stone every year. Our bean counter says we get other
benefits from having it on a lease instead as well, but that's over my
head... Our reseller is able to deal directly with the leasing company in
the event we add seats so hassle is minimized...


wrote in message news:5747290@discussion.autodesk.com...
What you have to look at in the long run is the ROI (Return On Investment).
I recently ran the numbers and found the following (taken directly from my
report to the bean-counter gods) - these prices are based on a total of 70
licenses of products (A2k8, ACA2k8, revit arch 2k8, a2k8 LT and 3dsMax):

However, if we stay on subscription, next year the total cost to keep
current drops to around $18,000 per year (assuming we purchase no additional
seats), and as long as we do not need more seats of AutoCAD, we can budget
this expense into our operating budget each year. Without subscription, our
cost to upgrade our licenses the first year is about $27,000. The cost to
upgrade the second year jumps to just over $40,000, the cost the third year
goes up to just over $50,000 and in year 4 the cost jumps significantly to
over $102,000. The subscription method pays for itself very quickly. We'd
have to wait only (2) years between upgrades to realize the benefit of
staying on subscription. After year 4 we would realize an overall savings of
over $20,000 - enough to pay for year 5 of the subscription. These numbers
are based on the current pricing structure and historical data from previous
upgrade costs and if the trend continues, there should be another 5 to 10
percent increase in the prices over the next 4 years. Also, on the
subscription plan, we do have access to support and other areas in the
Autodesk framework for support that would not be available otherwise.

This being said, getting on and keeping a subscription current will end up
costing less in the long run. You will also have the perks of the
subscription center and automatically getting the new versions as they are
released.

My 2 cents worth.

Ryan A Wunderlich
Message 18 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

Huh????

--
Dennis Jeffrey, Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert
Autodesk Manufacturing Implementation Certified Expert.
260-399-6615
Instructor/Author/Sr. App Engr.
AIP 11SP3, AIP 2008 SP1, PcCillin AV
HP zv5000 AMD64 ( modified)
Geforce Go 440, Driver: .8185, 2GB RAM
XP Pro SP2, Windows Classic Theme
http://teknigroup.com
"Tim" wrote in message news:5747819@discussion.autodesk.com...
Auto desk has a screwy policy where they almost seem to intentionally leave
bugs un-patched as an attempt to force you to use current software, or in
other words stay on subscription. Everything they do is geared towards the
intent to get you on subscription and keep you there. They don't try to
sell you a new version based on you wanting the new features, instead try to
make it painful for you not to use it.




wrote in message news:5746436@discussion.autodesk.com...
I'm trying to understand subscription and how it works. Is it REQUIRED to
get basic patches/fixes to their own software? Or is it like Window's
operating software where you buy the software and updates/patches are PART
of the deal?

If I DON'T get the subscription, what will I exactly NOT be able to do or
get?

I don't need all the other stuff that they offer, I just want to make sure
that my software, which I'm going to pay $4,000 for, is going to get the
fixes/updates that it NEEDS to correct bugs and software errors.
Message 19 of 21
Anonymous
in reply to: pbyrnej

black helicopters coming... .

--
Dean Saadallah
http://LTisACAD.blogspot.com
Add-on products for LT
http://www.pendean.com/lt
--
Message 20 of 21
pbyrnej
in reply to: pbyrnej

uh-oh..........
lol

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