I was checking the 'About SONAR' section to see what version/update of SONAR Platinum I was running and noticed the above message in my title...

What's that about??? I bought SONAR fair and square so, what will happen after 07/10/2016???

You get to keep the software and until 07/10/2016 you receive the monthly updates :)
After that date it is up to you if you want to pay for another year of updates.
 

It is up to you. You can elect to renew your membership or let it lapse. Either way the program will continue to work. If you renew your membership you will continue to receive updates.

Understood!

Thanks, guys!

My purchase date is mid-January 2015, which I found through My Account in Command Center.  What is the mechanism to renew?  Will I be sent a notice?  Will Command Center know my status and present options?  Just curious, since I want to keep current and support the company.

We haven't come to that yet so we know as much as you. I'm sure it will be announced. 

Thanks.  Somehow I had thought the new release was in the fall, but I guess I'm remembering many past years.

It used to be but the delivery method changed with the advent of Platinum at the beginning of 2015.
 
There is now only one product - Sonar 2015 which if you are a member, entitles you to free, monthly updates. it is up to you when you install the updates which are cumulative in nature so if you prefer to update every 3, 6 or 23 months is entirely your decision. You won't miss out on anything.

I don't think there is a "Sonar 2015." When I open my copy of Sonar, it says "Sonar Platinum" with no year indicated at all. My understanding is that the "next update" happens every month. I started getting monthly updates early this year. After the December update, I will have received a considerable number of features, enhancements, and new content at least equal to (or perhaps exceeding) what we used to see with an annual new version (as well as starting out with the bundle of updates saved up during 2014 and delivered in the January version). So I'm not expecting the December of January updates this time to suddenly have a boat load of extra enhancements beyond any other monthly update. And I'm not expecting a "Sonar 2016" aside from the usual cadence of monthly updates. I'm completely fine with that.
 
Of course, they might save up a few extra juicy enhancements for early in 2016 as a marketing technique to entice back those who decided to stop paying for updates. I think Cakewalk has delivered exceptional value by way of the monthly updates, so I'm planning to continue being a "member" who gets the updates ongoing.

Couldn't agree more