bapu
 
This is JMO. I too read it as "before X1" will get no discount on an upgrade (IOW there isn't one).

The way I read it, this applies to all Sonar X versions, not just X1.  If you don't have a current Platinum, Professional, Artist, or Home Studio after May 1, sorry ...

I've been a sonar user since Sonar Home studio 4XL.  I loved my upgrade to HS 6XL and used that for a longggg time. Then moved up thru the ranks to Sonar 8, X1, X3 and finally Platinum  I went for the lifetime updates as this seemed like an impressive offer which I felt would not last forever.  
      I have been reluctant to actually do the "updates" since I got mine at the start of the sale, as I felt like there was so much I didn't understand about  navigating the new DAW. I have as of a few days done the updates and know that it will probable take me years to fully grasp every feature available in the daw and recent updates.  I do feel like I got a heck of a deal inspite of what I don't understand yet.

abacab

bapu
 
This is JMO. I too read it as "before X1" will get no discount on an upgrade (IOW there isn't one).

The way I read it, this applies to all Sonar X versions, not just X1.  If you don't have a current Platinum, Professional, Artist, or Home Studio after May 1, sorry ...

Agreed. Given that it states no versions outside of the current series (Platinum, Professional etc) of Sonar will qualify for discounts I can't see how you could come to any other conclusion. Then again, of late Cakewalk are not renowned for the clarity of their announcements:) 

chuckebaby
I could be wrong but (a few months ago) we were all asking ourselves how will cakewalk survive if it is giving away lifetime upgrades. Well it appears they have a marketing strategy in place to move them forward. Its nice to see them taking a course (navigating wise) and planning for the future.
We all want cakewalk to be around for years to come.

I agree! Plucking down the $99 for lifetime updates was one of my better decisions!
 
Walt

bapu
This is JMO. I too read it as "before X1" will get no discount on an upgrade (IOW there isn't one).
 
With no disrespect to those still on 8.5 or earlier I would say they are no longer a loyal cakewalk customer. Loyal being the operative word here. 
 
As we are wont to do here, let me use an auto analogy.
 
My 2005 Honda does not qualify me (IMO) as loyal Honda customer if that is the only Honda I own. I am a past customer, but my 2005 does not get me any discount if I went to the dealer and bought a 2017 vehicle (of course I might choose to trade in or sell the 2005 on the street, but that does not apply to the Cakewalk product model, i.e. software).
 
Again, JMO as to how I read it. I'm not saying I'm right.
 

Ed, no disrespect but I don't believe your analogy applies in this case. Software is a disposable product.  If nothing else software needs updates to adapt to evolving operating systems and hardware platforms.