Onyx Go (subscription) vs Onyx 22.5 vs Other RIP

[Goatshaver]

I'm wondering if anyone here is using the Onyx subscription model. Also open to possibly another software like Flexi, which also offers a subscription model.
I'll be running a Epson solvent printer, a Mimaki UV roll-2-roll printer and one Graphtech cutter, possibly a Summa cutter but the Summa is a backup.
I'm getting a new printer and I know I'm going to have to update my RIP software, but I'm trying to figure out the best route. I'm using Onyx 19 right now and I'm used to the workflow and setup of it. I haven't tried Onyx Go yet but any feedback on experience with the subscription service would be great for me to digest. I like the idea of owning software and not paying for a subscription but I like the fact that subscriptions will keep the software up the the latest versions.

 

[Pauly]

You can go on onyx advantage (silver or gold) and that will keep your onyx up to date each year. It's more than buying the subscription, but onyx Go is watered down vs thrive.
I'd get the advantage soon before x24 comes out and it may be late to update x19.

 

[balstestrat]

Yea you should upgrade it right away Today. V24 is coming out right now and then your upgrade gets more expensive.

I would go with permanent license. If you are going to keep it couple years at least the price is about the same.

 

[Pauly]

Yea you should upgrade it right away Today. V24 is coming out right now and then your upgrade gets more expensive.

Just make sure you get V24 license even if they technically still sell you 22.5. Usually you get the newest this close release.

I would go with permanent license. If you are going to keep it couple years at least the price is about the same.

You can't get x24 licence.
You only get the Onyx advantage for whatever is the current version. so if he gets advantage now, he'll be upgraded to x22.5, then when x24 is released, he'll get x24 with his advantage subscription.
But yes, get advantage now, as the older your software is to the current, you need to pay a premium to upgrade.

 

[balstestrat]

You can't get x24 licence.
You only get the Onyx advantage for whatever is the current version. so if he gets advantage now, he'll be upgraded to x22.5, then when x24 is released, he'll get x24 with his advantage subscription.
But yes, get advantage now, as the older your software is to the current, you need to pay a premium to upgrade.

Edit: My bad, I get what you are saying now and you are correct. On the upgrade that's how it works, yep.

I mixed my thoughts with a new license. If I order one today and even tho they sell it as "22.5." they always seem to upgrade it to next version this close to release. Even without advantage. Actually already confirmed that. If you order new license today, it will get V24 on the release day.
Slow morning today but again, I would upgrade it ASAP if you are going to do it.

Finally a big update with V24. Lots of more things than 21...22... came out with.

 

[White Haus]

I personally prefer owning software. Especially when it comes to Onyx Thrive. Every few years when they add valuable features we'll upgrade if we see fit. Last time we upgraded to 22.5, it came w/ a year of Onyx Advantage so I'm hoping that will cover "free" upgrade to v24 when it comes out.

Nice thing about owning onyx is that you don't have to upgrade as often to "keep up with the times". It's not like design software where you may receive files that you can't open. They will, however, not support older versions after a while so I guess they get you there.

Regarding running multiple printers and cutters, Onyx is great for this. We've run Rolands, Mimakis, Oce, Epson printers and Summa roll and flatbed cutters all out of Onyx Thrive. I don't know anything about Flexi but I don't think it's in the same league at all.

 

[Pauly]

I personally prefer owning software. Especially when it comes to Onyx Thrive. Every few years when they add valuable features we'll upgrade if we see fit. Last time we upgraded to 22.5, it came w/ a year of Onyx Advantage so I'm hoping that will cover "free" upgrade to v24 when it comes out.

Nice thing about owning onyx is that you don't have to upgrade as often to "keep up with the times". It's not like design software where you may receive files that you can't open. They will, however, not support older versions after a while so I guess they get you there.

Regarding running multiple printers and cutters, Onyx is great for this. We've run Rolands, Mimakis, Oce, Epson printers and Summa roll and flatbed cutters all out of Onyx Thrive. I don't know anything about Flexi but I don't think it's in the same league at all.

if your subscription of Advantage lasts till the release of x24, you'll get it.
but onyx has this thing where they like to release new software, not every year, but every 13-14 months. kind of irritating.

 

[Goatshaver]

You can go on onyx advantage (silver or gold) and that will keep your onyx up to date each year. It's more than buying the subscription, but onyx Go is watered down vs thrive.
I'd get the advantage soon before x24 comes out and it may be late to update x19.

Ahh good to know. I'm just waiting to hear back from them to find out how much it'll be for the upgrade, probably be the same as buying it new at this point since I'm on version 19.
I didn't know about advantage though and that may be a good option. I'm on Thrive now and would rather not downgrade to the subscription model.

I personally prefer owning software. Especially when it comes to Onyx Thrive. Every few years when they add valuable features we'll upgrade if we see fit. Last time we upgraded to 22.5, it came w/ a year of Onyx Advantage so I'm hoping that will cover "free" upgrade to v24 when it comes out.

Nice thing about owning onyx is that you don't have to upgrade as often to "keep up with the times". It's not like design software where you may receive files that you can't open. They will, however, not support older versions after a while so I guess they get you there.

Regarding running multiple printers and cutters, Onyx is great for this. We've run Rolands, Mimakis, Oce, Epson printers and Summa roll and flatbed cutters all out of Onyx Thrive. I don't know anything about Flexi but I don't think it's in the same league at all.

Agreed. I know I'll need the update as I'm getting the UCJV330 now because I'm sure Thrive 19 won't be supporting a brand new machine very well. The only subscription I can live with now is Adobe. IMO having a subscription for a RIP is silly.

 

[White Haus]

Ahh good to know. I'm just waiting to hear back from them to find out how much it'll be for the upgrade, probably be the same as buying it new at this point since I'm on version 19.
I didn't know about advantage though and that may be a good option. I'm on Thrive now and would rather not downgrade to the subscription model.

Agreed. I know I'll need the update as I'm getting the UCJV330 now because I'm sure Thrive 19 won't be supporting a brand new machine very well. The only subscription I can live with now is Adobe. IMO having a subscription for a RIP is silly.

I would find out exactly how up to date their drivers are for that new printer.

When we first got our UCJV300 - Onyx had JUST started supporting it and it took us a full day with a tech to create just (1) custom profile. (At our expense) It gets complicated when you start introducing spot colors and Onyx on that printer from what I've seen. Hopefully they've improved that but just be aware that it might not be plug & play if you're counting on using/creating profiles that use spot colors.

 

[Goatshaver]

I would find out exactly how up to date their drivers are for that new printer.

When we first got our UCJV300 - Onyx had JUST started supporting it and it took us a full day with a tech to create just (1) custom profile. (At our expense) It gets complicated when you start introducing spot colors and Onyx on that printer from what I've seen. Hopefully they've improved that but just be aware that it might not be plug & play if you're counting on using/creating profiles that use spot colors.

Ahh yes I didn't think about that and with this machine being very new that may be an issue. Worst case scenario is I'll have to use Rasterlink for a while, not my idea setup but if it will get the job done.

 

[Pauly]

Ahh yes I didn't think about that and with this machine being very new that may be an issue. I'll pose that question to Onyx when they get back to me. Worst case scenario is I'll have to use Rasterlink for a while, not my idea setup but if it will get the job done.

CJV330-130 & CJV330-160 are in the new drivers

 

[wordsinthemind]

You can't get x24 licence.
You only get the Onyx advantage for whatever is the current version. so if he gets advantage now, he'll be upgraded to x22.5, then when x24 is released, he'll get x24 with his advantage subscription.
But yes, get advantage now, as the older your software is to the current, you need to pay a premium to upgrade.

I'm in the same boat as OP, sitting on version 19 needing to upgrade - if I go the advantage route, would it upgrade my copy of 19 permanently to the newer version? Or is advantage just a temporary thing, lasting as long as you're signed up for it? Onyx upgrade paths seem pretty confusing. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Pauly]

I'm in the same boat as OP, sitting on version 19 needing to upgrade - if I go the advantage route, would it upgrade my copy of 19 permanently to the newer version? Or is advantage just a temporary thing, lasting as long as you're signed up for it? Onyx upgrade paths seem pretty confusing. Thanks for the insight.

Advantage allows you to update onyx to the latest. You need to check if v19 is eligible. as they'll only allow only so old software for advantage. if you can, you'll have to pay an additional fee. because you're not on the latest version.

Advantage a yearly subscription which is basically a maintenance contract with support.

 

[Goatshaver]

I'm in the same boat as OP, sitting on version 19 needing to upgrade - if I go the advantage route, would it upgrade my copy of 19 permanently to the newer version? Or is advantage just a temporary thing, lasting as long as you're signed up for it? Onyx upgrade paths seem pretty confusing. Thanks for the insight.

I had to pay for the upgrade to 22.5, but when the new version gets released this summer I'll be eligible for that because I got 1 year of advantage with the upgrade purchase.
You may check with them as they sometimes run deals around print trade shows. I was able to get a 15% discount because I bought it just after ISA and the promo was still going on for a few more days.