I have a concrete example I am wondering about.  Last month we got the most welcome LP EQ and Compressor.  These seem like new plugs, would something like these be included in the lifetime updates?

rtucker55
So does Platinum lifetime qualify for things like Theme Editor, Plug-in load balancing, Ripple editing, and others in the Oven?
 
Also, what about the phone support that we currently do not have?? At least it isn't working for me, just get a screen that says 'oops, sorry there are no slots available'. I've been trying for a few weeks now.

All the items you list will be included in the platinum lifetime plan, don't worry.
We are backlogged with support. We can only handle as many incidents as we have people unfortunately :)
We are working on improving this.

schwa
I have a concrete example I am wondering about.  Last month we got the most welcome LP EQ and Compressor.  These seem like new plugs, would something like these be included in the lifetime updates?

They may or may not have been depending on whether they were viewed as optional or essential to the core. However even if they were add on's the price would be have been less than the price of a full year of platinum membership. As Andrew said, we do need to support the cost of lifetime updates by add ons periodically.
This is much more flexible since it now gives users the ability to ala carte their membership plan based on their needs. 

Noel Borthwick [Cakewalk]

rtucker55
So does Platinum lifetime qualify for things like Theme Editor, Plug-in load balancing, Ripple editing, and others in the Oven?
 
Also, what about the phone support that we currently do not have?? At least it isn't working for me, just get a screen that says 'oops, sorry there are no slots available'. I've been trying for a few weeks now.

All the items you list will be included in the platinum lifetime plan, don't worry.
We are backlogged with support. We can only handle as many incidents as we have people unfortunately :)
We are working on improving this.

Thanks for the clarification and reply!

Noel Borthwick [Cakewalk]
Platinum is still the premium product. Platinum lifetime is the same product with core updates free for life.
Don't confuse this with different feature sets which is what separates Artist and professional from platinum. e.g artist doesn't contain the prochannel but Platinum does. The lifetime version of platinum will get all functional updates to the prochannel code and fixes. But it doesn't mean that the lifetime version will get all new prochannel modules offered for sale. Hope this clarifies?

Thank you for the response, I appreciate your time. I've done a lot of thinking on the announcement and posted my thoughts in a new thread from C.A.
 
In the long run, this will all be good.

This may have already been asked, but with Sonar X1 through X3, Sonar's flagship DAW was "Producer". With the new model it's "Platinum". So when it changes again at some point will "Platinum's" "lifetime updates" end?

What makes you think it's going to change again?

Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]
And that's because customers have overwhelmingly asked for it. We went through a period earlier this year adding some new features that appealed more to new customers. It was an important step. Now it's time to focus on editing, comping, and take management. There are many other areas we'd like to improve on moving forward as well. 

 
This is a great model, I stopped my subscription as the new features didnt do anything for me at all, I have enough features and anyway, am concentrating on hardware these days so what I really need is a lifetime subscription to the core program - which you have delivered. :)

It sounds simple to me...
 
I have Sonar Platinum. That will now never change as I have entered into a contract with Cakewalk for them to provide updated core features and bug fixes as long as Cakewalk are around. Okay, they could go bust next year... Next month even, and that may have been the risk, but I think it's a small one.
 
Then, all the extras like plug-ins and synths, I can carry on using them as they are. If one get's revised and is offered as an upgrade, I'll consider at the time whether or not I want to upgrade that synth based on how often I use it and how much I like it.
 
Frankly, the way I use Sonar, the lifetime option was a fantastic opportunity for me to keep up to date with the main program, no longer having to keep my eye on upgrade options...

"You will have to buy any future add-ons..."
 
i'am bit confused about...
 

• Is Melodyne Essential a add-on?
• Is Dimension LE a add-on?
• Is Rapture LE a add-on?
• Is Z3TA+ Classic a add-on?
• Is Ultra Analog Session 2 a add-on?
• Is Strum Session 2 a add-on?
• Is Lounge Lizard SONAR a add-on?
• ....

 
What is and don't add-on?