CAD Tech News (#52)

▶ AutoCAD Gets First Update of the Post-Perpetual Era

Autodesk claims that smaller, more frequent updates to its software will reduce training time and improve the user experience.

By Cadalyst Staff

As Autodesk has transitioned away from selling perpetual software licenses, it has naturally touted the benefits of its subscription licensing model, including more-frequent updates. In contrast to its traditional schedule of annual updates, Autodesk can now distribute updates at any time.

Some CAD users — and CAD managers — have concerns that an ongoing series of updates throughout the year will mean that they're constantly having to learn new features, but Marcus O'Brien, senior product line manager for AutoCAD, stated that the learning burden will decrease instead. "Actually, users should be able to spend less time on training and learning new features as new items are introduced periodically throughout the year in easily consumable releases. More frequent releases increases continuity and reduces the need to do large, complex training sessions covering a high volume of content," he explained.

"The benefits of more frequent releases are twofold," O'Brien continued. "First, feature enhancements can be delivered more quickly, enabling us to rapidly respond to user feedback; secondly, as stated above, it reduces the learning curve for customers by delivering fewer features more frequently. Our goal is to deliver pain-free updates that continuously improve the product while preserving functional consistency."

AutoCAD 2017.1: The First of Many

The first subscription-only update for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2017 went live last week, for users on a subscription license or maintenance plan. When an update is released, it appears in the Autodesk Desktop App, where users can accept it — or not. Some may wish to put off an update until a particular project is completed, for example.

"There is no 'duration setting' in AutoCAD Desktop App that controls whether users need to accept an update, it's totally up to them. This gives our customers full control over when they accept an update," explained O'Brien. "Then customers that do not accept the update, will not have access to the latest features and bug fixes. It's a choice." He noted that in a centrally managed IT environment, individual users do not typically have control over whether they accept or reject updates.

The AutoCAD 2017 update is available as a download through AutoCAD Subscription. Users can access it from the Autodesk Desktop App when they are logged into their Autodesk account.

Read more »

▶ WHAT’S NEW

AutoCAD Video Tips: The Fastest Way to Draw a Square in AutoCAD
You likely already know how to draw polygons — but have you used the powerful (and speedy) Edge option? Join Lynn Allen as she shows you the fastest way to draw a square in AutoCAD, and demonstrates just how easy it is to draw polygons using Edge. Watch the video »

Bentley Systems Pursues Autodesk Customers with License Trade-In Offer
To entice CAD users who prefer perpetual licenses, the infrastructure solutions provider touts promotion that lowers the costs of conversion — and draws ire from Autodesk in the process. Read more »

AutoCAD Video Tips: Protect Your AutoCAD System Variables
We all have our favorite system variables, along with their preferred settings in AutoCAD. Have you ever run an AutoLISP routine that changed a system variable without your knowledge? System Variable Monitor to the rescue! Join Lynn Allen as she shows you how to protect your valuable system variable settings and instruct AutoCAD to alert you when they are changed behind your back. Watch the video »