There seems to be a misconception out there that this product only works online. Ive posted into a FB group...skepticism all round! So I went offline just to test this theory..as far as I can see this is not the case. I think Bandlab need to make this crytal clear to new potential customers and old Sonar users.

The product works offline, but you can only authorize it with an internet connection.

Leadfoot
The product works offline, but you can only authorize it with an internet connection.

So if someone who has never had Sonar before signs up to Bandland...install the assiatant...then downloads Cakewalk, the only 'online' activity would be authorization?  Once you are an authorized user then disconnect and work on Cakewalk should not be affected?

Just like since X3. 
Only difference right now is Cakewalk has a "offline" method where you could install and authorize an offline machine but you still had to have a online machine to get the code. At this point Bandlab is 100% on line install.. but that's more or less the same as 90% of the software I install. It's why Laptops don't come with DVD drives anymore. Everything is a download. 
 
Bandlab is no different than most software. Once it's installed you can chose to disable your internet. 

Correct. You only need to be online to download the assistant and Cakewalk, and then authorize it. After that you should be able to disconnect.

Some users live outside the bounds of the internet (or its really slow). This is why the need for offline is needed

Yep. I don't have internet at all at my house(besides my phone). Doesn't look like I'll be on the Bandlab wagon.

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Cactus Music
Just like since X3. 
Only difference right now is Cakewalk has a "offline" method where you could install and authorize an offline machine but you still had to have a online machine to get the code. At this point Bandlab is 100% on line install.. but that's more or less the same as 90% of the software I install. It's why Laptops don't come with DVD drives anymore. Everything is a download. 
 
Bandlab is no different than most software. Once it's installed you can chose to disable your internet. 

X3 you had a serial number and registration code.  Once you had that you could install it on computers that don't even know what the internet is.  Sonar Plat and this new version do not work that way.  (Sonar Plat at least had an off-line key generator type of deal).  The new one your computer you are installing it on has to be on-line.
 
This is the first time in my ~20 years of using Cakewalk products that i'm aware of this limitation.  

Leadfoot
Yep. I don't have internet at all at my house(besides my phone). Doesn't look like I'll be on the Bandlab wagon.

 
Can't you simply use your phone as a wifi hotspot to the PC to connect for updates once in a while?  You dont have to be online for everyday use or anything. I keep my PC offline 99% of the time.