So far I think I am looking forward to the new Sonar 2015+ and the direction things are heading.
 
But one issue I have is the need(?) for the Command Center for downloading updates etc. on the DAW.
 
Currently, I normally download any huge ( multi GiG) files at work to an external/portable HD since I have a slow-ish internet connection at home. Then I install whatever when I get home.
 
Do I take it that this will NOT be possible anymore with Cakewalk products? We need to install directly, (not unlike  xlnaudio) or can we still download remotely, the pc must be online just for registration purposes but not required for installing?
 
 

You should still be able to download products from your products page. The command center simply makes life easier for the lot of us who keep out machines online to keep them updated. If you look in your accounts page, there is also a tab for offline authorization as well which you'll download a file from there and place it in your install. If I'm correct, the file should be good up till your membership runs out and then you'll need to either re-up the membership and download the new file or the application goes into trial mode.

Command Center sounds pretty much exactly like Native Instruments Service Center, which is easy peasy and not intrusive in any way, shape or form.
 
I get online with Service Center and get updates whenever I feel like it, and decide what gets installed.

Same here - though I don't always install them at the time.   So I'd imagine this will be similar. 
 

It seems like an Ilok with download possibilities.

Command Center is available now in your account...just an FYI...

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.
 
 

Thanks for the history lesson Willy. That was brilliant mate.

+1
End Result: you can go from purchase to running SONAR in under 3 minutes* without ever having to type a serial number.

cclarry
Command Center is available now in your account...just an FYI...

Larry is back!!!!! Now this is big news. Welcome back!!!
 
Rocky