How would I access and run the software lic. in the cloud if Scanvec/Amiable/Flexi went bankrupt and closed up? Does the software lic. expire at some point?
Thinking Enron?...
While it's somewhat flattering to be compared to Enron, the 7th largest company in America at one time, truth be told, SAi is much closer to the size of your business than we ever were to Enron. And, if it needs to even be said, SAi is a very stable company. We've been in business for 25 years, survived the economic crash in 2007/2008 and have been thriving since. You can also look at our history of innovation to see that we are actively invested in continuing to be in business. Besides, you have this type of risk no matter what piece of software (or energy trading company) you are doing business with.
I have 25+ years of digital files in Flexi format. Mostly FS files and many others converted to FS files.
Your files will always be yours. The software is the piece that you are licensing.
I prefer and want an installation disk and dongle.
With the release of Flexi 11, SAi followed suit of the vast majority of software companies and dropped the packaging, and instead delivers software in a much more efficient and cost-effective way. The packaging was unnecessary and required shipping, which was a cost the Flexi user would incur. The hard keys were also a headache for everyone: lost? stolen? stepped on? You will need a replacement. Again the Flexi user would incur the costs for a replacement key and shipping, as well as the hassle of sending the old key back. Finally, by delivering software via email, you can start using it right away, rather than waiting. Who doesn't love to play with their new toy right away?
To me it sounds like if I pay for a cloud based subscription my files are essentially held hostage by the software company. I can only access them if I make continuing payments from now until the end of time.
This is not the case. Your files will ALWAYS be your files. If you discontinue your subscription, you will no longer have access to that instance of Flexi, but you have the option of re-upping your subscription or purchasing a traditional license.
Once you stop paying they shut you off. Any files you open and save will only be opened by the latest version you had before the shut down.
Files are typically not backward compatible with any software you use - Adobe, Corel, anything. This is because any new features used cannot be understood by older versions. And if you prefer greater control over when the software opens, traditional may be the way to go rather than paying the low monthly cost of subscription.
