I currently want to purchase a newer version of sonar but I am at a loss. I was looking into platinum. however, I see there is a monthly fee included. This on top of the original cost for the actual program. This detours me from pursuing this version further, but i did notice that you would have consistent maintenance and bug fixes monthly.  If I go with sonar x3 I wont have the maintenance however I will not have to pay a monthly fee and just a one time up front cost.  So , I ask you good people who have had the pleasure of working with x3 and platinum. In your opinion, what do you prefer and why?
Hopefully your input can help light a path so to speak.
Thanks again for all of your help. Ive said it before and ill say it again. This community here at cakewalk is amazing.

A monthly fee?
No!
There are two purchase options;
1) Pay as you go (monthly)
2) Purchase the program outright.
Then its a once a year update, you missed the "free" lifetime updates window.
Oh, definitely go with SONAR Platinum.
You won't regret it!
Tom

There is no monthly fee requirement to use Platinum.
 
If you purchase the upgrade using the one-time payment plan, you will receive updates for 12 months. After 12 months you have the option to make another one-time payment for 12 more months of updates, pay monthly for updates or do nothing and use the product your already purchased.

You cannot purchase X3 unless it's an old copy gather dust somewhere. 
Once you understand the new purchase system you'll see it's still the same price as always. 
And yes you just missed the lifetime membership. 
I thought this was all very clear when you look at the Sonar purchase page. 

I guess from talking with friends and other people who have used sonar there must have been some miscommunication some how. What was the window for lifetime updates? And moving forward what might the prices look like for 12 months of updates?
 
Thanks again for your help guys. Really appreciate it.

Platinum with lifetime updates was offered from June 2016 through the end of 2016. Platinum has only been available for 2 years so it is hard to speculate about the pricing a year from now. My guess is the price to renew membership for an additional 12 months will be approximately the same as the upgrade price you will pay today ~$200.

Vokalzz
What was the window for lifetime updates? And moving forward what might the prices look like for 12 months of updates?
 
Thanks again for your help guys. Really appreciate it.

Hi. The last date was 31.12.2016.
If you purchase SONAR there is 12 months of updates included. What the price will be for the next 12 months, I do not know. But there is usually a discount for "returning customers".
All the best.

thanks guys. I appreciate the help !!!!