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The Cost of CAD Software Today
31 Aug, 2009 By: Nancy Spurling JohnsonYou won't find many bargains right now, but you will find some vendors that are being flexible regarding lapsed maintenance contracts.
How is the down economy affecting the price of CAD software and maintenance? In particular, will companies that let software subscriptions lapse as a result of reduced headcounts or budget cuts face high costs when they begin to reinstate those maintenance agreements downstream? Are CAD software vendors willing to bend rules regarding subscription contracts in the interest of these customers?
In August, Cadalyst called on CAD software developers to answer these questions. We contacted the larger CAD developers directly and posted an announcement on Cadalyst.com to invite all companies to submit information related to products that are primarily computer-aided design solutions.
With the exception of Alibre's $99 limited-time offer for Alibre Design -- the move that sparked the original flurry about CAD pricing -- vendors generally seem to be holding steady on pricing and the deals seem few and far between. This could signal that the companies are not in a position to make price cuts or that they don't want to risk devaluing their products -- or both. More importantly, we're happy to hear that some companies, such as Graphisoft, are working directly with customers who are finding it difficult to maintain current licensing agreements.
Following are the replies we received. Companies not included here did not respond or notified us that they would not participate. We'll update details if more information arrives. Information provided in this article was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change.
ALIBRE
Alibre Design Standard
3D product design and virtual prototyping and 2D drawing creation for manufacturing applications.
Best current price: $99 or $398 with yearly subscription (offer expires September 29, 2009); $999 (regular base price).
Other offers: Monthly, interest-free payment options are available.
Licensing/subscription: Alibre Design licenses do not expire. Regarding lapsed subscriptions, within seven days of expiry the cost to reinstate ranges from $299 to $399 depending on the software version. Thereafter, the price increases to $499-$599. Watch for occasional promotions offered to reduce the cost of maintenance reinstatement.
AUTODESK
Autodesk provided information for its line of CAD solutions, including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Inventor Suite, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Revit Architecture.
Best current prices: If you buy directly from Autodesk, you'll find the company has held steady on prices. Resellers are independent and free to set their own prices; check with your local reseller for current promotions. Check back on this article for updates regarding future promotions that become available from Autodesk and resellers.
Other offers: New this year, AutoCAD Inventor LT Suite includes Autodesk Inventor LT and AutoCAD LT software. Offering more affordable options for 2D/3D mechanical design and digital prototyping, it enables part-level 3D parametric modeling, multi-CAD translation, automated DWG drawing views, and more. Update: Purchase the AutoCAD Inventor LT Suite through January 15, 2010, and receive a $500 rebate per seat, for a final cost of $895 per seat. Full details of the offer are available online.
The Autodesk Assistance Program provides free software to the unemployed and software discounts to companies that hire program participants, among many other benefits. A 12-month standalone license of AutoCAD 2010 or AutoCAD 2009 software is available for $1,995 to U.S. commercial customers who need to meet project demands with limited budgets or to meet peak demand in unpredictable markets.
Autodesk customers who upgrade to the newest software version (for example, move from AutoCAD 2009 to AutoCAD 2010) or cross-grade to an industry-specific product (for example, move from AutoCAD to Revit) can take advantage of on-going upgrade, cross-grade, retirement, and legacy programs. Upgrade, retirement, and legacy programs cover many products, except AutoCAD LT. Programs are introduced as new products come online and can offer savings of as much as 20% off the normal cost of upgrading to the current release.
Through the AutoCAD LT cross-grade program, current users of AutoCAD LT can save as much as 63% on the price of upgrading to a variety of other Autodesk software products -- for example, when moving from AutoCAD LT you can save 63% when you purchase a new seat of AutoCAD Civil 3D.
Licensing/subscription: Autodesk customers who wish to reinstate lapsed subscriptions must pay the price to upgrade to the current version of their software as well as the subscription price. A late renewal fee also applies but can be waived in some cases. The company reports it will offer flexibility to customers who find themselves in extenuating circumstances. For further details, see Cadalyst's article, “As Software Subscriptions Lapse in Down Economy, Autodesk Clarifies Policies.”
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About the Author: Nancy Spurling Johnson
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