Got Any 2006 (or older versions)?

If you review my posts in January, you will see a post discussing Autodesk's marketing roadmap on Retirement and Legacy versions. Well, that time of year again is fast approaching for the Phase 1 Promotions on Retirement and Legacy. So let set this up:

As of late March this year (2008) Autodesk has been launching their newest version of software(s) - 2009. Therefore they will continue to support versions 2008, 2007, and 2006 this year. Versions 2005 and earlier are now considered Legacy. Furthermore, come March 2009 version 2006 will be Retired just before version 2010 is launched.

So, how do you get current and not fall too far behind? Well, that is where the promotions will help. Let's talk about Retirement first - in this year's case, 2006 licenses. If you have any 2006 licenses, you can upgrade or cross-grade them to a 2009 version using the Retirement Promotion(s). This promotion will follow this structure:

Phase 1 – May 1 to July18 - 20% discount off the regular upgrade price when purchasing upgrades with annual Subscription or 15% discount if purchased without Subscription.

Phase 2 – July 19 to October 17 - 15% discount off the regular upgrade price when purchasing upgrades with annual Subscription or 10% discount if purchased without Subscription.

Phase 3 – October 18 to January 16 - 10% discount off the regular upgrade price when purchasing upgrades with annual Subscription or 0% discount if purchased without Subscription(in other words, regular upgrade pricing).

Likewise, Autodesk is running a Legacy promotion this year. So if you have any older versions (2005 back to R14 or equivalent) you can bring those licenses current to 2009 via the Legacy Program and Promotion. Regularly, a Legacy license can be brought current for 30% off the price of a new license and subscription must be purchased. Here is how the promotion works:


Phase 1 – May 1 to July18 - 40% discount off the regular new price and Subscription is required to be purchased

Phase 2 – July 19 to October 17 - 35% discount off the regular new price and Subscription is required to be purchased

Phase 3 – October 18 to January 16 - 30% discount off the regular new price and Subscription is required to be purchased (in other words: regular Legacy Program pricing)

So, the best time (best deals) are between May 1 and July 18.

Hopefully this information will empower you to net the best possible pricing if you are looking to upgrade or cross-grade older licenses. If you need a more specific understanding on your particular situation, please do not hesitate to contact me, I would be happy to assist you.