So what's to stop us using it in compatibility mode? If and that's a big if, a windows 10 update does indeed break sonar, then surely you could just chose to run it in compatibility mode?
 
I run old games all the time using xp compatibility mode and windows 7 and they work perfectly.
I believe once cakewalk release that permanent unlock for us that this DAW will run until you as a user no longer want to run it.
Of course the ability to use plugins and newer hardware might be restrictive as sonar will not be updated to support such newer software/hardware, so that would be the only reason to not use sonar (or am I completely wrong?)
 
Anyway I've been trying Reaper and studio one artist, neither is a patch on sonar platinum in my opinion. 

You have a point here. Should work just fine.

MS could break compatibility mode [working for SONAR] in any update. Risk is small but not zero. I believe Microsoft has no interest to actively maintain SONAR compatibility.
People that make their living by using SONAR can not live with that risk. They must either disable Windows updates (other than security fixes) or start using another DAW. My Plan B was to purchase Studio One and learn it so that I can switch to it quickly if I have to. Until that SONAR stays my main DAW in my studio.

panup
MS could break compatibility mode [working for SONAR] in any update. Risk is small but not zero. I believe Microsoft has no interest to actively maintain SONAR compatibility.
People that make their living by using SONAR can not live with that risk. They must either disable Windows updates (other than security fixes) or start using another DAW. My Plan B was to purchase Studio One and learn it so that I can switch to it quickly if I have to. Until that SONAR stays my main DAW in my studio.

You make a very good point, I hadn't taken into account that some people do indeed make their living from sonar, in that case it makes sense to get a new DAW and/or take precautions 

If you decide to use compatibility mode, then you can kiss Addictive drums and Addictive keys goodbye.

https://www.xlnaudio.com/...ument-is-in-trial-mode

It breaks my heart to say this, but I will never start a new project in Sonar.  What if I'm half way through and something breaks?  I will keep Sonar installed to open old projects, but anything new will be started in Studio One.

Also remember: no development means no bug fixes. 

For me it is not just a question of whether Microsoft would deliver an update to Windows that would break Sonar it is the central role that Sonar has in my music making process. Sonar's central role means that it is dependent on and interacts in some way with pretty much everything else on my Music Computer.

I agree that the risk of of Sonar failing because of a Windows update is small I'm actually more worried about my UAD-1 and 24/96. The same is true about an update by IK Multimedia, Waves or another third party breaking Sonar, the risk is small. There is also the risk that an existing bug in Sonar will start to cause problems again the risk is small.

Then there is the uncertainty of change. My personal view is that supporting Sonar just became easier for third parties. Unfortunately the potential market just got smaller. While using what I already have may be safe adding new plugins now carries a risk. It may be small but it is there.

For me this led to the decision that I would invest in a new DAW and migrate to it. This has a cost and carries some risk. In some ways the risk is higher than that of sticking with Sonar. I suspect that the switch will require further change. It definitely requires some decisions about the plugins I have installed and those I want to use in the future.

There are a few plugins that have been discussed here that I may have to consider rebuying and one that I will definitely upgrade. There are some that I will learn to do without or replace with an alternative.

I concluded that buying a new DAW was right for me but that certainly does not make it right for everyone because sticking with Sonar until it actually breaks makes a lot of sense. I still have Kinetic, it still works. Sadly it does not support 64 bit Rewire or VST 3. It also has some idiosyncrasies that comes with being older software on a new platform.

That is a long way to say I expect Sonar to be a workable solution for some years. It's just no longer the right platform for me. And that will be true even if someone saves it.

mrphil86
Also remember: no development means no bug fixes. 

True.
 
That said, there will be no bugs either. We can find workarounds to existing reproducable bugs and learn to avoid them. It's like knowing that there are some steps that are missing in a stairway - don't step on it and you're safe.
 
Good news SONAR was discontinued now: SONAR has never been as robust as now and you can revert to previous builds if you will. Monthly updates have produced literally dozens of versions to play with. Older SONAR versions also open projects created in newer versions very well; new features are omitted but the project will always open.
 
Lack of official support channels may be problematic. There is no more anyone to save you from  a trouble when your mega hit song's only project file is corrupted and only a Baker could recover it.  We're on our own.

And that is also true, If I was dependant on a DAW making my living I would change from SPLAT now! Can't rely on it anymore.