| Opinions expressed by readers |
|
The upFront.eZine newsletter and WorldCAD Access blog received letters and comments from readers about the end of long-term licenses for Autodesk software. Here is what readers had to say.
What to do about Autodesk's apparent indifference? It's like the relationship between drug dealers and junkies. Except in this case the junkies are mostly to blame. I've been trying to make this point for years now, albeit without much enthusiasm due to my perception that there is a general lack of interest in changing the status quo, but perhaps that now is changing. In years past no one was interested because everyone was always convinced they needed the newest and shiniest version available. But we don't. Simple truth is that we don't have to be victims.
Before the take over by computer-aided design, I worked for years with a pen and pencil. Remember those days, when the work was about the design and not about the process? Back when architectural firms could afford to hire drafters because new employees didn't come with the expense and overhead that technology brought with it? Sorry, I digress.
I realize there's no going back to those days, but we still have choice. Yes, Autodesk has done a masterful job of steering us all to the cliff, but it's not too late; we don't have to jump. The customer has the power and ultimately the last word. At this point I don't honestly know if this will work across all platforms and programs, because I only follow Revit and AutoCAD, but all we have ever needed to do, to get their attention, is to just stop paying! Even if only for a time. If in 6 months they don't collect a single dime from us, they will pay attention; if we could keep that up for a year, they might even display a bit of contrition. Just say no.
The question is: how do we organize such an effort and can we get a pledge started? Just a thought.
By the way, if you're looking for an excuse to take an Asian vacation, you can pick up all the software you need for about $10. It's like pharmaceutical drugs: only Americans are crazy enough to pay what the drug companies want. .
- Shawn Graham via WorldCAD Access
- - -
My firm dropped Autodesk for Solidworks/Draftsight for 200 users due to the change to subscription licensing. The reason: potentially losing access to our data
- Derek P
|
|
Letters continue following this advertisement...
Sponsor: Solid Ege
|
|
|
|
It wouldn't surprise me if pirate copies of AutoCAD bypassed the phone-home requirement, putting pirate users at an advantage over legal users, and not for the first time in Autodesk's history. (Unless pirate users get found out, in which case they get slugged hard).
But let's assume Autodesk could totally prevent the illegitimate use of its most recent products. It wouldn't be safe to assume that pirate users would then all rush over to Autodesk, waving the large sums of cash required to rent those products.
A handful might, but the vast majority would likely do something different:
a. Pirate earlier versions of Autodesk products;
b. Pirate other vendors' products;
c. Pay much smaller amounts to legitimately use other vendors' products.
- Steve Johnson
adnauseam.com
- - -
The question isn't "Does it check the license every time you open the software?" The question is, "Will it fail to run if you're not connected to the internet?" Surely it doesn't prevent running it if you're not connected right now. Could they change it? Sure.
By the way, Bentley does the same thing with Microstation, at least with their license server. I have no idea how tight it is now, but there used to be a 30-day grace period. I would expect Autodesk to do something similar with future versions.
- Anonymouse
- - -
My office would like to switch out from AutoCAD. Just not a big fan of the subscription license. Do you have any recommendation on other CAD software that are similar to AutoCAD? We would like to minimize the learning curve. Also the new replacement has to have AutoLISP functions, including the dialog box types. Much appreciated to hear what you think.
- Dixon
The editor replies: There are a number of CAD systems that do a good job replicating the functions of AutoCAD, such as BricsCAD from Bricsys, ARES Commander from Graebert, and a number of offshoots of IntelliCAD. All of them handle LISP and DCL for dialog boxes -- as well as offer similar sets of command names and system variables. The good news is that you can test just about any CAD system today by downloading their free 30-day demos.
|
|
Sponsor: Okino Graphics
== Professional 3D File Conversion/Viewing/Rendering Software ==
For over 2 decades Okino (Toronto) has provided mission-critical 3D conversion software used extensively by tens of thousands of professionals. We develop, support and convert between all major CAD, DCC & VisSim formats. Robert Lansdale (CTO, [email protected]) tailors each package to the specific conversion requirements of each customer.
Popular formats include 3ds Max, Maya, C4D, LW, ProE, SolidWorks, Inventor, SketchUp, DWF/DWG, DGN, CATIA, IGES/STEP/Parasolid, 3D PDF/U3D, JT, FBX, Collada & more. We know data translation, and provide immaculate developer-to-customer relations.
http://www.okino.com
|
|
One of the constraints to 3D printing is the maximum size of what can be printed. Printers for the home are limited typically to inches in size, and industrial ones can print products feet in size. But now Stratasys is demonstrating its Infinite-Build 3D system that makes parts from thermoplastic in unlimited length.
To do this, they turned a 3D printer on its side, so that the print table is vertical, and then the material is squirted from the side. Stratasys says that Boeing is helping to define the specs, and that Ford is also taking a look at what is possible when length is no longer limited. I need to emphasize that this 3D printer is being demo'ed and so you and I cannot rush out and buy one yet, and even if it were available, it would be horrendously expensive.
Above is the photo that Stratasys provided, but it's not to clear to me what is happening. The video they have at YouTube is also a bit vague, perhaps to ward off competitors. http://www.stratasys.com/corporate/newsroom |
|
There is more at our WorldCAD Access blog about the CAD industry, tips on using hardware and software, and our popular travelogues. You can keep up with the blog through its RSS feed and email alert service. These are some of the articles that appeared on WorldCAD Access during the last week:
We're on Twitter at @upfrontezine with late-breaking CAD news and wry commentary throughout the day, such as....
upFront.eZine (@upFronteZine) Aug 29: "Facebook's Trending News section features fake story..." 'Cause when you're morally neutral, fakes stories are no worse than real ones.
|
|
Whatever happens with HoloLens itself, it is interesting to see a company continuing to champion the notion of AR [augmented reality] after Google Glass sank without trace and everybody else is shunting us into VR [virtual reality] headsets just to play motion sickness-inducing shooters.
- Peter Gothard, The Inquirer
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2468673/hololens-secret-hpu-specs-are-finally-revealed-by-microsoft |
|
|
|
Comments