Paying 99.00 a year is even cheaper than the onboard upgrade paths from 6 to 7 to 8 etc which came around every October or so and cost around 149.00 to bump up.
 
I don't really need a new plug or synth as I do (or try to do) pop country. So I am temped to buy in as a lifer.
 
I wonder if the show stopper melodyne temp map dealie would be considered core or extra.
That for me has been the best thing since I said "Look hun, no tape!" wayyyy back when.
 

FL Studio did it when it was just FruityLoops and it seemed to work out okay for them.
 
I nearly had a heart attack when I read the email (on my phone). As soon as I got home and could read it again I whipped out my credit card and took the plunge. Heck this investment pays for itself in under a year and I can write it off!
 

taccess
Agreed

However , I am a satisfied customer , and me personally , I would rather( HAPPILY) pay 99 each year and know I am helping the lifetime of cakewalk .

I AM NOT SUPPORTING THE LIFETIME UPDATE - IAM SUPPORTING THE LIFETIME OF PLATINUM

 I never treat a business as a charity.  They have many ways of making revenue.  They get a cut of 3rd party stuff sold in the shop.  I'm not sure but their beginner DAW use to be sold in stores.  Then there are also sales from Steam.  Not everyone on the planet owns a license of Z3ta yet.   They also get revenue from the Reason rack extension that Reason users talk highly of.
 FL users feel the same way because they think the free updates is going to be their downfall but the mods tell them it hasn't failed yet after 10 plus years.

I just bought it, really its a no brainer, I reckon.
 I ain't likely to be changing my music software any time soon.
It works and loving the new updates and looking forward to the new themes etc.
 

RD9
I am especially concerned about the Gibson VP's statement that "Growth doesn't come from existing SONAR customers upgrading, that's just maintenance".  This is probably true when there is a small or shrinking user base but if there are enough users and the ones leaving are being replaced by new users then upgrading should be able to pay for improvements.

I was referring to maintenance of the business, not the program - what people call "keeping the lights on." But as I've said in other threads, people need to understand SONAR is the company's flagship program. Any future products will flow from what has been learned developing SONAR. To stop improving SONAR would essentially mean there was no more interest in creating new technology, which I can assure you is not the case. 
 
Don't read too much into the "Executive Vice President of Gibson" title. I've spent the last two weeks involved in the KRK web site re-design, creating videos, working with Dendy Jarrett on some really interesting Harmony Central initiatives, and looking into an improved re-stringing procedure for Gibson's HP series guitars (which are effing awesome, but I digress). I was a SONAR user long before I joined Gibson...from when it first released as a beta, actually. I wield no dictatorial or even executive powers, but I'm just as happy to help the cause as I was before joining Gibson.
 
Cakewalk is truly a partnership with the company and its community of users. I just happen to be associated with both 

I think this is a brilliant move...Core functionality is my primary desire.  I'd rather pick and choose the add ons.  I have toooo much stuff I don't use already!  Then again, before the offer is up we will have a much better idea of the full range of options and what they all mean... There is no need to panic or jump before fully reflecting on information once it's released.
 
The unknown is what's "core" and what's an add on...Themes is a perfect example, as I just love the new one... If I upgrade to Core forever, I'm happy to pay $10 for every new theme someone comes up with, if I like um... In the mobile world, this is an entire main part of some app's revenue streams!  5-10$ here and there?  A couple coffees for a new look?  
 
I'd expect console folders, arranging, and many of the suggestions on the forum fall into "core" programs.  A better arpeggiator module?  Something like Catanya or Kirnu Cream? I'd consider that an "add on" and for purchase.  
 
Just some rambling thoughts... In a slick way it addresses chronic complaints by some about getting things they don't need or want instead of daw stuff they can't get elsewhere.  It allows for choice... in the end, the ala carte might be more expensive if you buy EVERYTHING so the yearly subscription would make sense until you have built up a reservoir of tools you're happy with...
 
One thing ya have to say... the Bakers ain't sittin' on their laurels!  Based on my long experience and the way it folds into Gibson's product line, I don't feel the least bit worried or cynical.  If you DO, stick with the yearly model.
 
 
 
 

Yeah I think the devil will be in the details and we're going to need to wait and see what in fact you actually get for the lifetime upgrade vs the existing subscription model and if there are pricing changes coming to the latter. We'll know on June 1.

HI:)
 
I'm not sure what to do, I think we should know what's inside and outside Life Time Upgrade!
 
Bassman.
 

jimkleban
If you come to think about it, what new stuff can be added to the core product

A look inside the Feature Requests and (especially) Problem Reports forums could answer that.
 
But as Noel said, it is new features that gets people reaching for their credit cards, not bugfixes.
 
If regular update fees really are only a small part of the overall income stream, this deal is not such a big hit on revenue. And since FL is doing this already, it seems to work?
 
I use Sonar a lot and I skipped versions because bugs in 8.5 were not fixed. I am primarily bugfix driven and moved to SPlat mainly for fear of being left totally behind.
 
But I still wonder what will happen to the admittedly insignificant bit of leverage my annual payment gives me to nudge the Bakers to fix those bugs that annoy me every day if I take the Lifetime deal?
 
I'm inclined to wait for the 1st June and get the full details before jumping. We have 2 more months to act (foreshortenings notwithstanding).
 
H'm.

digimidi
By the way, I have been with Cakewalk for a very, very long time, going back to Home Studio and then getting the Pro Audio range, then the Sonar range, the X-Series range, and finally the Platinum series range.  I have been using Cakewal FOREVER!

Good point! I wonder, what lifetime are we talking about? User's lifetme? Company's lifetime? PC Lifetime? Or product line lifetime?
If this update plan actually means flagship product of the company for user/company lifetime then it's quite an offer. If it's something else I'll probably stick with annual updates.