What ever happened to owning a license

[CNCadmin]

I have noticed that a few softwares you have to pay every year to extend your license otherwise the software locks out, what is up with that?

[Ken_Shea]

With out a doubt it is all about $, although it may also have side benefits to the end user of latest updates and support. This isn't a issue if you are making money using the software but for us more or less hobby guys it is a real turn off. Normally though, these are high end products that we would not be involved in anyway.

What software are you referring to ?

[CNCadmin]

SprutCam, VisualMill, and many others.

[ViperTX]

Yep, that's why I always tend to support "Open Source Software" like the EMC stuff.

[ynneb]

It cheeses me off the way these software companies want to get their pound of flesh out of the little fellow. I must admit I am not very sympathetic to them when they complian about missing out on profits due to piracy. Boo Hoo.

I have always argued that the best way to defeat piracy is to deliver a product at a fair price and back it up.( Destroy the incentive to crack it)

The number one example that comes to mind is Mach2 and Arts incredible dedication to his folowers. Some may try and claim that it costs millions to make software, but Art has set a fine example of how software can be made cheaply ( By one man ) and affordably.

NOTE: I am not supporting piracy in expressing my opinion here, just saying that I can understand why it happens, and that the giants bring it upon themselves.

[brtlatjgt]

Paul, when mentioning Sprutcam and Visualmill, do they lock out after one year when you buy the stand alone versions or are you talking about the versions that came with your Alibre purchase?

[DareBee]

I beg to differ on VisualMill.

They DO NOT have maintenance fees.

I could use this software for 20 years if I wanted.
You get free servicepacks as long as they are supporting the software.

You will however have to pay to upgrade to new versions. I have never heard of a software that doesn't do this.

I am not affiliated, just a happy user trying to keep things straight.

[CNCadmin]

I'm referring the Alibre software package, the cam software it comes with is only good for a period of time and than you have to purchase a license to own it. I thought that the 1700.00 package include that software in the price to own.

[DareBee]

Originally Posted by CNCadmin SprutCam, VisualMill, and many others.

Can't help you Paul, I don't know anything about Alibre.
I was referring to your second post.

[CNCadmin]

Originally Posted by DareBee I beg to differ on VisualMill. They DO NOT have maintenance fees. I could use this software for 20 years if I wanted. You get free servicepacks as long as they are supporting the software. You will however have to pay to upgrade to new versions. I have never heard of a software that doesn't do this. I am not affiliated, just a happy user trying to keep things straight.

So they give you updates "service packs" for FREE, that a good thing?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by CNCadmin So they give you updates "service packs" for FREE, that a good thing?

It's better than some companies At least they fix the broken stuff.

[DareBee]

I get what you are saying Paul.

I would say that more than half the changes made in the service packs are "user requested enhancements" as opposed to just repairing dodgy programming.

You should see what it costs me to keep a couple of seats SolidWorks current, nevermind the original purchase price.