Sadly the current sales model no longer fits for me...

[Smn842]

This is not really a specific sales question, more of a comment of why the current CA pricing no longer works for me after 10 years of use and SSA:

 

After a long career in software development from developer to more senior roles I fully appreciate the need for the subscription model for mature software. However the implementation has to be fair on existing perpetual license users and as a DIYer this is where I have an issue after 10 years of using CA software and 9 of those with Chief Premier and SSA. 

 

I use Chief for planning the numerous renovation updates to my homes which I mostly complete myself. Until the subscription model was introduced 2.5 years I could justify SSA cost and the fact I could sell the license for a significant sum kept me in the game.  However with official license transfers banned when subscription was introduced and the sharp increase in SSA every other year which appears to be moving towards the level or subscriptions, I have to draw the line somewhere.   

 

I use many other software packages that have also made the switch to subscription, but these other products have been fair with existing perpetual license users giving them various options and commonly significant perpetual discounts if they switch to subscription.  In contrast, CA will not make any statements about the future of costs for SSA relative to subscription and as I expect the next jump in SSA will be next year, it is now time for me to stop my legacy SSA renewals. I will remain using X16/X17 and can even run them in a virtualised environment to avoid future OS compatibility issues (VMs work fine with 3D graphics features these days) with the only internet access being for activation. Hence I can ensure I will be able to use X16/X17 for as long as CA is around for its activation server.  I won't be going elsewhere, just not spending any more with CA.

 

I am far from the target user type and the loss of customers like me is probably worth it for CA if they can increase revenue from target customer types, but I would have continued to pay if there was a clear plan such as perpetual discount to subscription rates for legacy SSA users, instead of the stealth SSA increases which are moving towards subscription and far beyond inflation. As I started with HD Pro I can say that's not an option and with about 40 hours use a year spread over at least 6 months the monthly rental option is similarly not viable.  

 

It's been great using a professional level application for my DIY renovation projects, but sadly its the end of the line for legacy SSA upgrades for me. 

[basketballman]

  I feel your pain.

SSA now almost $700.00

and the value of X17 to me right now is $0.00 

  It is sitting in my digital locker until it becomes bug free and safe to upgrade ..