This is all good. I think that even though many folks (including myself) are long-time PC users using Sonar from back in the early days (90's), but the tech world has changed dramatically in the past 10-15 years. While I still use a windows machine for my music studio (Because Sonar is Windows-only), I have gravitated to both a mac and the various mobile devices that apple makes for other things. Most recently I have started to become an extensive user of an iPad for live performance, and even some scratch-pad recording. The Virtual instruments and sequencing environment on IOS is gradually maturing, and is almost ready for Prime Time, IMO. Cubasis and Auria Pro are extremely capable sequencers. But to be able to have Sonar on a Mac and PC? This is gold, especially if it has eventual integration with IOS, too. Then it is the users choice which platform to use. I know many folks consider Apple the devil, and Big Brother, and all that, and I get it. But their ecosystem, while not perfect, is certainly useful, and since I've become an enthusiast of Apple's consumer products I appreciate their quality and durability (if not the price, LOL). Like it or not, I think Cakewalk has to tap into the MAC world more extensively, not just for the die-hard Mac folks, who have been there forever and (as pointed out in this thread) probably are already committed to the various MAC music software out there, but to folks like me, who in my old age, is slowly converting, or at least adopting Apple's technology and incorporating it into my musical and creative world.
It's about time, I say, and Cakewalk will most likely come out stronger, both financially, and image-wise (which helps the bottom line). I do not believe this will dilute the company's resources, but will potentially open up new revenue streams to support more advanced development. I know how expensive software engineering is; I work for a company that develops proprietary software and services it, too. It's, like Cakewalk, a small local company here in Massachusetts, but it has no support like Gibson. Sonar will be fine, I'm pretty sure. And having a lifetime of updates (even at my advanced age :)) is very cool and will help a lot as Sonar keeps adding more functionality.
I'm looking forward to the improvements mentioned, especially in Take Management and Plug-In load-balancing; these will be huge improvements. I'm happy to wait a while, i don't need constant and instant gratification. I think announcing this now is fine.
If anything goes wrong with all of this, we will see. I think the user community is very strong and loyal, and if Cakewalk listens to us it can only be of benefit to us as well as to the company.