in 20 years of music making, I've only ever seriously used Cakewalk products (dabbled with others, but always kept coming back to Cakewalk), and I remain convinced it is the best DAW, period. Jeez, this is dispiriting news...

Too bad they probably won't open source it. With a enthusiastic community like this one, I'm sure there are developers who would jump at the chance to work on SONAR. I would love to see the code for this beast!

Been thinking about this, and a few things are sinking in.
 
First, thanks to all the Cakewalk staff for so many years of fine work, going back to Gregg Hendershott. They have always been innovative and helpful. Best wishes for whatever is next for you.
 
Second, some self-pitying musings...
 
I'll have to switch to another DAW sooner or later. I can keep using Platinum for years, but things move on, and it won't make sense to never get any more updates. Plus, with the best will in the world, I can't believe that it will be possible to authorize SONAR and Cakewalk products after some point; maybe one year, maybe two, maybe five, but no one is going to keep that service going forever just as a courtesy. And cross-grades aren't that cheap. And the learning curve will be brutal. And I have no idea which of them are good and which aren't.
 
Oh, and the process of converting years and years of work in SONAR into a form that another DAW can read will be interesting, entertaining, and give me something to do for a long time.
 
Good news, VST plugins should be fine on other platforms. Bad news, I'll bet Pro Console plugins will not. 
 
The integration with Melodyne was a beautful thing. I can only hope to find something like that elsewhere.
 
The non-appearance of the Mac-compatible version should have been a tip-off. Arggh. I've owned Gibson guitars more or less continually since I was 17 (and I'll be 65 soon). They make some beautiful instruments. But their marketing instincts have always been wacky. SONAR could have been the leader with Mac compatibility. 

very sad news...

As mentioned in another thread, after a few Windows updates it may be likely that there will be too many issues with Sonar to work thru. Another DAW seems to be in my future. Are there any good BF deals on Studio 1? The other DAW manufacturers should jump on crossgrade specials right now.

Fret Man
I just upgraded my old (2012) copy of studio 1 to the latest.  There is a 50% discount going on thru the web store.  

fret_man
As mentioned in another thread, after a few Windows updates it may be likely that there will be too many issues with Sonar to work thru. Another DAW seems to be in my future. Are there any good BF deals on Studio 1? The other DAW manufacturers should jump on crossgrade specials right now.

Have a look here in this thread
http://forum.cakewalk.com...lf-Price-m3686773.aspx
You can get it right now Direct from Presonus for about $200 dollars I already checked ....
it's a little cheaper if you go to the vendors a few fellas have mentioned in the thread ...
 
all the best,
 
Kenny

One would hope that Cakewalk can continue outside of the Gibson Brand. Maybe there is a buyer in the wings. My thoughts are with the staff at this uncertain time.
 

space_cowboy
I've been around since this:

14. Accordian
15. Zither
16. Canon

Glyn Barnes
One would hope that Cakewalk can continue outside of the Gibson Brand. Maybe there is a buyer in the wings. My thoughts are with the staff at this uncertain time.
 

As a Cakewalk user since the 80s I am with you on this thought - best of luck to all of you at 12 tone who provided me 30 years of entertaining and creative support.  Prayers for you and family as this tough event transpires.