I've got splat on "lifetime updates" so it's owned by me till kingdom come.
There is more daw in there that I can use or even know about.
The tempo extraction is the best thing for me since the virtual effect.
 
There has to be many in the same blessed boat.
I see no reason to cross grade in my lifetime until maybe there are virtual session musicians and singers that are comparable to flesh and blood. And that will be a VST anyway.
 
SONAR for life regartless! 

yeah but windows updates & dying motherboards and hard drives though.  that's what worries me

Yes, I agree. Until the authentication servers go down and Sonar stops working.

Authentication servers are a non issue for lifetimers afaik?

bitman
Authentication servers are a non issue for lifetimers afaik?

We'll probably need to authenticate a new install if we need to replace our PCs.  I'm hoping that's far enough down the road that I'm ready to purchase a new application.
i have no intention on going out tomorrow and buying new software.

Are you sure it's licensed to the hardware?

good questions - it would be good to know we can reinstall on a new PC in the future...

I'm about to. Maybe even as early as tomorrow.
My r-e-t-a-r-d-e-d dell precision xeon boat anchor is showing signs of further MB r-e-t-a-r-d-a-t-i-o-n and I have a apt candidate box down at the shop someone left behind.
 
And we cant say r-e-t-a-r-d-e-d. wow. Doesn't offend me and I could be.

Don't leave Sonar if you don't want to. Others have suggested this, but I'll point it out again: You can put whichever version you have that is stable and works for you, on a dedicated drive, which is not connected to the internet, so no Windows updates can break it. This will work forever. Also, make some images, and you're all set. For older folks, this can be a great solution. If you're in your sixties, how long are you going to need it? But even if not, this can still be a permanent way to always have Sonar. Maybe you'll gradually start using something else, but you'll still have old faithful whenever you need it. No need to jump ship now. Save your money. 

Open Help-About Sonar
If your copy says "Owned" on the Sonar about screen....
Then Sonar will work until there is a nuclear explosion.
 
Im staying with Sonar for now until technology starts coming out with brain reading VSTs.