August 9, 2016

What's in a Name?

On August 1, 2016, we entered a new Autodesk era, the era of “subscribers.” The words “subscribe” and “subscription” have been used with Autodesk products for a long time, so this new, formal name is causing a bit of confusion. 

I’ll try to clear things up.

In a nutshell, you are a subscriber with Autodesk if you:

1. Own an Autodesk product and have a current maintenance plan. You will want to b
e sure to keep your maintenance plan up-to-date; you will lose your subscriber status if your plan expires. 

2. Have a subscription contract (formerly called a “desktop subscription”) to an Autodesk product.


If you do not meet either of the above criteria, but own an Autodesk product, you are considered a legacy customer. As legacy customer you can continue to run your software as long as your computer and operating system support it, but you will not have access to upgrades or the latest software.

Why do you want to be a subscriber? Because you get all of these benefits:

• Instant access to the latest product releases and enhancements.
• Access to previous versions of the software.
• Ability to use your software on your home computer.
• Ability to use your software when traveling outside of your home country.
• Autodesk technical support.
• Easy-to-use administrative tools that allow you to simply and effectively manage software licenses, seats, and usage.
• Additional cloud and software services.

Still have questions? Feel free to contact me. I would be happy to talk with you about your status and your options.


Thank you for reading. For more information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate Inc. website.

John Souza
Director of Sales
John Souza started on the ground floor with Autodesk CAD, selling solutions since release 10. In the nearly 30 years since, he's worked to grow his expertise with each Autodesk solution, weaving a career around cutting-edge 3D design software sales.

He has proven success in building high-performing sales teams in the Civil Engineering and Government sectors, he's managed and led business development and sales teams for Autodesk and Advanced Solutions. Joining Ideate, Inc. in 2003, he was initially the Manufacturing Solutions Director then worked to expand reach within the AEC community as Director of Business Development. Today, as Sales Director, he leads a dedicated team working to connect architects and designers with best-fit design technology education and implementation solutions.


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