Adobe's new pricing strategy

[The Vector Doctor]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-57329264-264/adobes-new-pricing-plan-ouch-users-say/?tag=cnetRiver

From what i am can tell, Adobe wants you to either pay for a subscription plan or upgrade every time a new version comes out. You are penalized for waiting too long between updates. They are pricing the upgrades higher in order to make the subscription plan seem more appealing but it is making many people upset who cannot afford either direction that Adobe is implementing

 

[The Vector Doctor]

"In order to qualify for upgrade pricing when CS6 releases, customers will need to be on the latest version of our software (either CS5 or CS5.5 editions)"

So if you have cs4 or older when cs6 comes out, you MUST pay full price for cs6 or pay the subscription fee

 

[J Hill Designs]

Fnbs

 

[Fred Weiss]

I can see an interesting small business opportunity here doing legacy saves for a huge market that primarily buys Adobe upgrades so they can open incoming files from clients.

 

[oldgoatroper]

I can see an interesting small business opportunity here doing legacy saves for a huge market that primarily buys Adobe upgrades so they can open incoming files from clients.

Its an exciting idea, Fred...

...but I can also see Adobe "fixing" the Save-Down-To-Earlier-Versions functionality.

 

[ddarlak]

how about a program that convert files without actually opening them.....

 

[The Vector Doctor]

Its an exciting idea, Fred...

...but I can also see Adobe "fixing" the Save-Down-To-Earlier-Versions functionality.

They better not. That would be enough to get a max exodus from the suite

 

[Border]

Any news on when CS6 is expected out?

 

[Fred Weiss]

Its an exciting idea, Fred...

...but I can also see Adobe "fixing" the Save-Down-To-Earlier-Versions functionality.

That would, IMHO, be so heavy-handed a reaction as to cause a rebellion among the base, boycotts, class-action lawsuits and government anti-trust actions for restraint of trade. For example, there are millions of individuals and companies involved in creating and selling digital art through sites like iStock, Dreamstime, Shutterstock etc. that would not be able to meet the submission requirements of those vendors. Services like The Vector Doctor would not be able to ever upgrade their primary software.

 

[oldgoatroper]

That would, IMHO, be so heavy-handed a reaction as to cause a rebellion among the base, boycotts, class-action lawsuits and government anti-trust actions for restraint of trade. For example, there are millions of individuals and companies involved in creating and selling digital art through sites like iStock, Dreamstime, Shutterstock etc. that would not be able to meet the submission requirements of those vendors. Services like The Vector Doctor would not be able to ever upgrade their primary software.

Oh, no... of course, it would not be blatant. Think passive aggressive. Think unreliable down-saving. Think corrupt files 10% of the time. Think "oops".

Adobe: "We are committed to our customers and providing the best user experience. We are working hard to remedy shortcomings some users experience." --> translates to "We will issue a patch when we're darn good and ready -- like maybe just before the next major release, in which the down-saving will be sort-of broken again"

Yes, I'm a cynic. Cynics are never disappointed.

 

[The Vector Doctor]

either way it is like a subscription. If you buy the latest and greatest either by desire or necessity you must upgrade to avoid the steep price increases

 

[Dave Rowland]

oh my god

 

[paul luszcz]

For the first time in 18 years, we are running multiple versions of any software; CS2 and CS5 Suites. CS2 doesn't run on our newest Macs and CS5 doesn't run on our oldest Macs. The cost of a new Mac to replace the old is less than the cost to upgrade the software.

Without back saving, you would be forced to buy new computers. That's a little harsh, even for the Adobe/Apple dogfight.

 

[rushworks graphics]

was looking when cs6 was due out last night....couldn't see an actual release date though

 

[Charlie J]

Not good.

 

[MikePro]

i'm in no rush, CS3 works just fine here at the shop and I have yet to have a client send me CS5 files (even though I have it on my laptop, thanks to student discount software!)

 

[Malkin]

We upgrade pretty infrequently, but I knew that we had to go from CS2 to CS5 this year in order to be able to upgrade without purchasing the full version again. Looks like it was just in time, but dang that bites.

 

[SignManiac]

I don't see a problem. Everyone knows that Adobe products and their users are superior and command a higher price for their exceptional design abilities. They will have no problem purchasing the upgrades at any price. Drive the Mercedes, pay the Mercedes prices.

 

[genericname]

Drive the Mercedes, pay the Mercedes prices.

Or drive more people to become Mercedes thieves.

 

[Flame]

I don't see a problem. Everyone knows that Adobe products and their users are superior and command a higher price for their exceptional design abilities. They will have no problem purchasing the upgrades at any price. Drive the Mercedes, pay the Mercedes prices.

Then comes the day when the Mercedes driver gets passed by some Mazda driver at 120MPH. And before he figures out what happens, he's outta sight.

Mark my words, this is only going to help Corel sales. I respect both Adobe and Corels products, I choose Corel for lower price, ease of use, stability and no frills/get the job done tools.

 

[rushworks graphics]

is there a big difference between corel and adobe? i've only ever used adobe, but heard that crel is pretty awesome to use.