Willy Jones [Cakewalk]
 
 
Glad to hear it was a good experience. I'll get on that song if only I there was bass player around . . . . 

There is a raging internal debate at Cakewalk still going on about what to name the releases ... I'm on the losing side but in addition to the traditional #.#.#.# format we'll be using a 'friendly' release name as well to make it quick and easy to identify which version of SONAR you are running.
 
Speaking of - did you know that C3 has an about screen as well??

No I did not know there is an about screen in C3 - I found the options screen and a link to my account, but not the about screen.  I know there is info in each product (version/serial no.).  Is that what you mean?

Willy Jones [Cakewalk]
 
Oddly enough we did devise a 'fallout' plan in the event that our servers become unavailable. Man that's dark though we've been around for like 28 years which is a lifetime in the software world so I hope we don't die in the next 10 ....
 
In such an event we would release one last update that perpetually unlocked the software for everybody. 
 

You know, I was slightly worried about the new activation - but the fact that you actually thought this (unlikely, hopefully) scenario thru *really* makes me feel damn impressed with CW as a business. 
 
(I bet that discussion was a really dark bummer though.... I hope you all went out and partied or something afterward)

Willy Jones [Cakewalk]
To clarify a few things:
 
1) Command Center is not required for anything it is simply a tool for your convenience.
2) It's not an iLok - you can use offline authorization still if you'd prefer.
3) We realize that Command Center and this workflow is not for everyone - if you don't want to use it you can continue to download, install and copy and paste serial numbers etc. like you used to.
 
Why did we make Command Center?
Come with me on a journey through Cakewalk download history (note that some of these bullet points are extreme exaggerations) . . .
 
Along time ago we only sold software on DVD's:

• Everyone tells us we suck and they want downloads and we're horrible human beings for making them wait for their DVD's to arrive

We offered SONAR as a download with the option to buy the DVD's still:

• Everyone tells us we suck because the downloads are too big
• Everyone tells us we suck because there are to many files to download
• Upgraders tell us we suck because they're not sure if they need to re-download things from previous versions
• Nobody buys the DVD's we printed so our distributor and printer tells us we suck for having them store all this stuff that we never ship out
• Everyone that has a bad internet connection tells us that we suck because the download got corrupted (it doesn't matter which CDN you use or how much you pay for it - if someone can't download the file its still your fault)
• Everyone that has an ISP that throttles their bandwidth tells us we suck because of combinations of the above

We decided there had to be a better way:

• We broke apart the SONAR installers as much as possible into smaller installers. This allows folks to download and install only what they need.
• The above created a nightmarish management issue and scary first-time experience: "Welcome to SONAR, download and install these 48 things to start making music fast!" ....heh heh evil laugh.
• So we made Cakewalk Command Center (or C3). C3 does the following for you:
  • Gets a list of products you own
  • Tells you when an update is available
  • Can download any necessary files for you
  • Will validate that the file is not corrupted (it does an MD5 check)
  • Install the product for you
  • Allow you to decide which components to install
  • If the product requires a serial number, C3 will take care of that for you
  • End Result: you can go from purchase to running SONAR in under 3 minutes* without ever having to type a serial number.

* This measurement was taken on really bad Comcast cable internet by somebody that already had an account on Cakewalk.com. Actual mileage may vary.
 
 

Thank heavens: Instant deal breaker for me if I "had" to use the command center. Just what I want is my important info on a cloud somewhere.
 
As long as I can, as you state, do things the way I used to that's fine. I like double click an exe to install, it's exciting. I like entering my own typed, (copied and pasted) serial and reg #'s.
Those and similar are my job and I hope it stays that way.

I haven't seen this question asked so here goes.
If I install Command Center on my online computer, can I dl and save on that computer using Command Center and copy the new dl'd files to my daw or will I have to do it old skool since my daw is offline?

jbraner
stratman,
 
I can verify that besides command center - there is still a download button in "my account" and serial numbers etc - just like all the other (download) versions of SONAR.
 
I haven't installed anything yet - but it looks straightforward.

OK Thanks That's great because that's the way I prefer it.

Update, all my products are now showing, on-line but I still can't start X3 from the Command Center on my PC.  Should I be able to do that?

To further scooks point, Command Center will show the products listed under "Connected Products" on you account Products page.