I'm seeing posts from many lifetime subs who seem to think that your software will stop working tomorrow.  It won't.
 
There's no functional difference from folks who bought Sonar 4 or 8 and decided to stop there.  The only difference is that you now have the "final" version of Sonar Platinum.  It could -- and probably will -- last for another decade with no problems.
 
You're just not getting anymore updates.  Buying the "lifetime" upgrade enabled you to cut the cord from the Cakewalk servers.  At $150, it was about the same price as all the other upgrades that had a lifetime of about 2 years.
 
Yeah, the situation sucks, but some of you need to get a grip.

When I kicked in the extra $99 for the "lifetime" upgrades, I figured if I get a second year of upgrades I would break even.  That happened so I'm "even".  
 
Although I'm going to start learning Studio One 3, that I've had for a long time but never really used, Sonar will do what I need until the time it won't run any more for whatever reason.

As far as I can understand, all sonar version post-X3 era will eventually stop launching after cake's servers shutdown. (for authorization).
 
It is either that OR if I need in a future time to re-install SPLAT, if the servers are down at that point it just won't get out of the DEMO mode. That really sucks.
 
I use other softwares that are also linked to the net, so "cutting off my box" from the Net is not really an option for me.
 
As for the "eventually stop working" portion of the topic, let us hope it will not happen in front of our biggest client or in front of a little crowd when doing a monthly gig...

yummay
As far as I can understand, all sonar version post-X3 era will eventually stop launching after cake's servers shutdown. (for authorization).
 

 
No.  Try it now.  Disconnect your wireless and launch Sonar.  If you are a lifetime sub, there's no problem.
 
 

Ron2112

yummay
As far as I can understand, all sonar version post-X3 era will eventually stop launching after cake's servers shutdown. (for authorization).
 

No.  Try it now.  Disconnect your wireless and launch Sonar.  If you are a lifetime sub, there's no problem.
 

What happens when you try to re-install it for whatever reason?

Yes, I think you only need it if you need to install again, get a new PC or Hard Drive. Then as it is now you are toast.

Ron2112
There's no functional difference from folks who bought Sonar 4 or 8 and decided to stop there.  The only difference is that you now have the "final" version of Sonar Platinum. 

except that 4, 8, up to what, x1? didn't authorise online, so previously once you had your c/r code for your serial number you could install as many times on as many different machines as you liked

I think we're OK up to X3, but not sure...

Ron2112

yummay
As far as I can understand, all sonar version post-X3 era will eventually stop launching after cake's servers shutdown. (for authorization).
 

 
No.  Try it now.  Disconnect your wireless and launch Sonar.  If you are a lifetime sub, there's no problem.
 
 

 
We all know this. Enlighten me; "What if i want to tranfer all of my work to another PC after all cake servers go to down?"
 
We are waiting your reponse!!!

It did not enable us to cut the cord from servers. That is only true for a current install. Many people change enough of their computer every year to need a new install.

Plenty of reason for life timers to be upset. It basically lasted less than a year and a half, that is a complete sham. But more importantly this means no patches going forward and at some point will likely not operate under windows properly or will not install at all. All this talk about the servers are still up is not something we can count on for decades to come.

Lifetime updates went public about June 2016.

I have no problem using the current version for a long time...but that asumes it will actually continue to work and be installed on as many future machines that I buy. Buying lifetime updated was insurance for that, as of now, this insurance purchase isn't looking promising. Hopefully that will change.