So, just to be clear, if I buy the Lifetime Update, I will get all future versions of Sonar? It seems almost too good to be true, what is the catch?

adeptus minor
So, just to be clear, if I buy the Lifetime Update, I will get all future versions of Sonar? It seems almost too good to be true, what is the catch?

There are only 17 long threads here focused on the same question. From everything CW has said to us directly, there is no catch. Updates to Sonar Platinum will continue and will be the same for lifetime members and monthly/annual members. 

3 Questions about Platinum Lifetime updates.
 
1: Does this mean that their will no longer be cakewalk versions of 3rd party software like TH3 and Lounge Lizard or does this mean the Lesser versions of Sonar will get them free with the subscription, but Platinum flagship versions will have to buy them separately or only as full versions?
 
2: Does this mean that we still pay $99 annually for the complete package.
 
3: What makes the Platinum version Platinum if its only based on cakewalk features. Without the feature inclusion of 3rd party plug-ins, only 11 features separate Platinum from Professional (based on your site's list of features). More to the point, Professional will actually be offering more instruments and effects than Platinum to new users, if Platinum excludes 3rd party instruments and effects. Is Platinum simply becoming a barebones one-time purchase version of Professional?
 
I feel I need to make this clear for those that don't fully understand my point:
If AD3 comes out next year and Cakewalk includes it in Sonar, Those who have a subscription to Sonar Professional will get it but those with Platinum Lifetime will not (by the description on their site - http://www.cakewalk.com/June-2016#SONAR4Life). This would make Professional the more feature inclusive of the versions within one year. I'm not  trying to complain, just trying to cut passed the BS. If Platinum is to become a modularized professional DAW with less 3rd party features but more capability/expandability; and Professional is meant to be a more turnkey product for getting pros and semi pros started quickly, then it make since and I can work with that. But don't blow smoke up my @ss. Cakewalk is a business, not a non-profit. They are in the business of making money, not losing it. And they do NOT have a business model based on volume sales.
Furthermore, If you have information so clearly explaining this, then please post links. Those of us that are commenting are doing so because the information we have found thus far is limited. So, be a pal and share your sources of info so we can know what you know to be so obvious, allowing us to stop asking the same questions twice. The term "take my word" does not apply in this day and age, so sources would be very welcomed.

I give up. 

I don't believe it!!!!! There has to be a catch!

I would believe the only catch is that Cakewalk needs an infusion of cash to launch the Mac version. Even though the development of the Mac version has proven to be possible, it must be completed. This means hiring people who know Apple product integration, additional testers, and builders of the support systems (web pages, download format, etc ... ).
 
This 4life offer is tempting to current Sonar clients who realize the money they will save and those that might like to buy Sonar for the first time under 4life support conditions, and yes, this would include Mac people because Sonar will be available in both versions to a single person since you are allowed to have it on any computer (provided you only use a single instance at a time).
 
Once the infusion of cash is achieved, the project will have enough legs to stand on. The updates will be the same for both 4life and those who have chosen to stay with the subscription format.
 
This all sounds reasonable as a way for Sonar to expand their future. In a sense, 4life buyers may be very much like investors in the future of Sonar and may be receiving a benefit for that investment. Of course, we can never know what the real thinking is for Cakewalk in terms of this business decision, but it seems reasonable to me.

lludwick
I would believe the only catch is that Cakewalk needs an infusion of cash to launch the Mac version. Even though the development of the Mac version has proven to be possible, it must be completed. This means hiring people who know Apple product integration, additional testers, and builders of the support systems (web pages, download format, etc ... ).
 
This 4life offer is tempting to current Sonar clients who realize the money they will save and those that might like to buy Sonar for the first time under 4life support conditions, and yes, this would include Mac people because Sonar will be available in both versions to a single person since you are allowed to have it on any computer (provided you only use a single instance at a time).
 
Once the infusion of cash is achieved, the project will have enough legs to stand on. The updates will be the same for both 4life and those who have chosen to stay with the subscription format.
 
This all sounds reasonable as a way for Sonar to expand their future. In a sense, 4life buyers may be very much like investors in the future of Sonar and may be receiving a benefit for that investment. Of course, we can never know what the real thinking is for Cakewalk in terms of this business decision, but it seems reasonable to me.

That seems reasonable to me, too... Well said.

I'm hoping for continued success for Cakewalk and a long and healthy future for Sonar!

lludwick
I would believe the only catch is that Cakewalk needs an infusion of cash to launch the Mac version. Even though the development of the Mac version has proven to be possible, it must be completed. This means hiring people who know Apple product integration, additional testers, and builders of the support systems (web pages, download format, etc ... ).
 
This 4life offer is tempting to current Sonar clients who realize the money they will save and those that might like to buy Sonar for the first time under 4life support conditions, and yes, this would include Mac people because Sonar will be available in both versions to a single person since you are allowed to have it on any computer (provided you only use a single instance at a time).
 
Once the infusion of cash is achieved, the project will have enough legs to stand on. The updates will be the same for both 4life and those who have chosen to stay with the subscription format.
 
This all sounds reasonable as a way for Sonar to expand their future. In a sense, 4life buyers may be very much like investors in the future of Sonar and may be receiving a benefit for that investment. Of course, we can never know what the real thinking is for Cakewalk in terms of this business decision, but it seems reasonable to me.

I second MPH,
If they had pitched it like that, I would have been one of the first to buy into it. Loyal users becoming the gofundme for new projects at Cakewalk and being given unique software benefits in lieu of cash returns. I'm all in with that. Maybe they should hire lludwick for marketing and PR.

raymondm4

lludwick
I would believe the only catch is that Cakewalk needs an infusion of cash to launch the Mac version. Even though the development of the Mac version has proven to be possible, it must be completed. This means hiring people who know Apple product integration, additional testers, and builders of the support systems (web pages, download format, etc ... ).
 
This 4life offer is tempting to current Sonar clients who realize the money they will save and those that might like to buy Sonar for the first time under 4life support conditions, and yes, this would include Mac people because Sonar will be available in both versions to a single person since you are allowed to have it on any computer (provided you only use a single instance at a time).
 
Once the infusion of cash is achieved, the project will have enough legs to stand on. The updates will be the same for both 4life and those who have chosen to stay with the subscription format.
 
This all sounds reasonable as a way for Sonar to expand their future. In a sense, 4life buyers may be very much like investors in the future of Sonar and may be receiving a benefit for that investment. Of course, we can never know what the real thinking is for Cakewalk in terms of this business decision, but it seems reasonable to me.

I second MPH,
If they had pitched it like that, I would have been one of the first to buy into it. Loyal users becoming the gofundme for new projects at Cakewalk and being given unique software benefits in lieu of cash returns. I'm all in with that. Maybe they should hire  for marketing and PR.

Agreed! B)

subtlearts
I give up. 

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!