I am calling bullshit on pretty much all of the statements made by Autodesk
which I earlier disliked and now really hate.

I knew this was coming and still, having seen the official statement, it
made me sick to my stomach.

Autodesk is not committed to anything other than maximizing marketshare and
profit. This is understandable for a large commercial corporation, but
trying to pass as caring for their customers rings very false when we are
now forced towards lesser tools. It is hard to understand that they think
they haven't alienated a sizable amount of people/users to a degree that
they think we would want to migrate to the fat old lady Maya or even worse,
Max.

Sure, many here will have to migrate and I seriously hope they will get
their sh*t together and develop a properly useful tool. The name is
somewhat irrelevant, but having killed the best overall functioning
platform, it is hard to think they will actually succeed. I think that if
they really knew how to make Maya a good DCC, the past years development of
said platform should have looked a lot better than is the case. It will be
interesting to see what actually becomes of Maya/Bifrost.

I will stick to XSI for as long as it makes sense and look hard for non AD
alternatives. Even if they manage to make Maya better to the point that it
is not a pain to use, I will prefer an equal non AD tool anytime!

Hoping for better times for us all...

Morten Bartholdy



Den 4. marts 2014 kl. 18:01 skrev Maurice Patel
<maurice.pa...@autodesk.com>:

> Over the past week there have been many rumors about the future of
Softimage posted on various forums and social media sites. Many of you have
been looking for an official confirmation or denial from Autodesk.
Unfortunately, we were not in a position to respond until today as we
needed to finalize all the details of our plans. But yes Softimage 2015
will be the last release of the software. I wanted to share some of those
details with you:
>
> -  Softimage 2015 will be the last release of the software
>
> -  We will continue to support the software and develop hot fixes and
service packs for two more years
>
> -  If they wish to, customers on Subscription will be able to transition
to Maya or 3ds Max at no cost while retaining the right to continue to use
Softimage in production/
>
> -  Existing customers will be able to purchase additional seats and/or
rental plans if they need to scale production
>
> Below is a copy of the letter that was sent electronically to Softimage
customers today. I have copied it here as our email distribution lists not
allow us to send it to those who have opted out.
>
>
>
> Because several of our partners have started posting the news early, we
are responding now but please note our web sites have not had time to
upload all the information yet.
>
>
>
> As early as possible but by no later than 3pm EST, we will have loaded
all the information including a detailed FAQ on
www.autodesk.com/softimage<http://www.autodesk.com/softimage>. In the
interim I have also copied and pasted it below
>
>
>
> Within the next 15 minutes you can also visit
http://area.autodesk.com/softimagetransition  to register for a live Q&A
webinar on Marc 18th at 12pm EST. as well as see the full documentation of
what is new in Softimage 2015.
>
>
>
> Maurice Patel
>
> Autodesk
>
>
> [Description: Autodesk]
>
>
> Autodesk Softimage 2015 Last Release Announcement
>
>
> To discuss your transition options Contact a
Reseller<https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/etrack.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&FORMID=bbdca7c18a1535b1ffbc24725fe642a3&INTID=08f974dac32ba2380b1348731c570ede&AUDID=dc482f8407033a7eeebee55a40d54b838da4a93ff9131343&DECODE=1&URL=https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/delivery/linktracking/lmark.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&LID=a1ede08e74ba134ecee55317ea02deb4>
>
>
> March 4, 2014
>
> Dear Softimage Customer,
>
> We are committed to providing our customers with the most technologically
advanced products and highest quality customer service possible. After
careful consideration, it has become necessary to make some changes to our
software portfolio in order to continue to do so.
>
> We therefore regret to inform you that the upcoming 2015 release will be
the last one for Autodesk(r) Softimage(r), which is expected to ship on
April 14, 2014. Autodesk will continue to offer product support until Apr
30, 2016. We will also provide any necessary hot-fixes and service packs to
all customers, at no cost, until Apr 30, 2016.
>
> We understand that you will now need time to re-evaluate your production
capabilities. To help you, we are offering Autodesk(r) Subscription
customers special no cost options to migrate to either Autodesk(r) Maya(r)
or Autodesk(r) 3ds Max(r) while continuing to use Softimage in production.
These options will be available until Feb 1, 2016. Upgrade paths are also
available for customers who are not on Subscription.
>
> As of March 28, 2014, Softimage will no longer be available for sale to
new customers. However, we will provide existing customers with the option
to purchase either additional software licenses or new rental plans until
Feb 1, 2016. Our goal is to give you the flexibility you need to continue
to use, and scale, Softimage in production during the transition to either
Maya or 3ds Max.
>
> The Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite (ECS) Premium will no longer be
available for sale as of March 28, 2014. ECS Premium customers on
Subscription will receive Autodesk ECS Ultimate, at no additional cost. We
will also be reducing the price of ECS Ultimate software and Subscription.
Softimage 2015 will remain part of ECS Ultimate for a transition period of
two-years, after which it will be removed.
>
> Although this decision is a difficult one, we do believe that by focusing
our efforts we can better serve the needs of the media and entertainment
industry and provide customers with better products, faster. Autodesk wants
to continue its relationship with you into the future. We regret any
inconvenience that this may cause, however we believe you will find our new
transition product offerings very attractive.
>
> We understand that you may still have questions about this transition and
invite you to join us on Monday, March 17, 2014 at 12PM EST for a live Q&A
webinar. Please register and submit your questions
here<https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/etrack.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&FORMID=bbdca7c18a1535b1ffbc24725fe642a3&INTID=08f974dac32ba2380b1348731c570ede&AUDID=dc482f8407033a7eeebee55a40d54b838da4a93ff9131343&DECODE=1&URL=http://area.autodesk.com/softimagetransition>.
>
> For more details please refer to the Questions and Answers section below.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Marc Stevens
> Vice President Film & TV Solutions
> Autodesk
>
> Diana Colella
> Sr. Director M&E Industry Strategy & Marketing
> Autodesk
>
>
> Questions & Answers
>
> *
>
> Autodesk(r) Softimage(r) 2015 will be the last release of the software
>
> *
>
> Autodesk Softimage 2015 is expected to ship on April 14, 2014.
>
> *
>
> Autodesk will provide Softimage customers on Autodesk(r) Subscription
with support services until April 30, 2016.
>
> *
>
> Autodesk will provide all Softimage customers with any Hot Fixes or
Service Packs issued until April 30, 2016.
>
> *
>
> Autodesk will provide Softimage Subscription customers with the option to
migrate to a transition offering that includes either Autodesk(r) 3ds Max
or Autodesk(r) Maya(r) software at no additional cost.
>
> *
>
> Customers that migrate to a transition offering will still be able to
continue to use their Softimage license for the length of the transition
period.
>
> *
>
> Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite (ECS) Premium will be discontinued
and customers will receive Autodesk ECS Ultimate, free of charge.
>
>
> 1.
>
> What is happening to Softimage?
> Autodesk Softimage 2015 will be the last version release of the software.
As of March 28, 2014, customers will no longer be able to purchase new
standalone licenses. For Softimage customers who are currently on Autodesk
Subscription, there will be options to migrate to transition offerings that
include either Autodesk Maya or Autodesk 3ds Max for no additional cost.
(see question 5 for details).
>
> 2.
>
> How long will Autodesk provide support services for Softimage?
> Autodesk plans to provide support and maintenance services to Softimage
customers with active Autodesk Subscription contracts until April 30, 2016
or until the end of their contract in cases where an existing contract has
a later expiry date. Customers renewing Subscription contracts will be able
to continue to do so until April 30, 2016. Where necessary, contracts after
March 28, 2014 will be prorated to end on April 30, 2016.
>
> 3.
>
> What about Service Packs?
> Ongoing maintenance development (Hot Fixes and Service Packs) will
continue for all customers (Subscription and non-Subscription) for a
two-year support period (until April 30, 2016). All customers will be
entitled to any Hot Fixes or Service Packs released for their version of
software. However, an Autodesk Subscription contract will be required to
access any additional customer support services.
>
> 4.
>
> Why is Autodesk discontinuing new releases of Softimage?
> This decision is necessary for Autodesk to keep pace with the industry's
rapid rate of change and to better serve our customers during this highly
turbulent transitional period for both visual effects and games. We need to
innovate faster while balancing our investment in the development of
features and functionality needed to support new and existing customer
workflows. We did not make this decision lightly. Many factors were taken
into consideration during the decision making process, including the impact
on the Softimage user base. Although the decision is a difficult one, we do
believe that by doing this we can better serve the needs of the industry as
a whole and provide customers with better product choices.
>
> 5.
>
> I am on Subscription. Is there a migration path for me?
> Yes, if you have an active Softimage Subscription contract you will be
able to migrate to the latest release of either Maya or 3ds Max, at no
additional cost. In order for you to continue to use Softimage while you
transition we have created two special offerings which will be available to
you for a limited time only (the transition period*):
> *
>
> Maya with Softimage: includes Autodesk Maya 2015 and Autodesk Softimage
2015
>
> *
>
> 3ds Max with Softimage: includes Autodesk 3ds Max 2015 and Autodesk
Softimage 2015
>
> This way, you can still use your license of Softimage for production work
while learning either Maya or 3ds Max.
>
>
> *The transition period is expected to last until February 1, 2016,
approximately 2 years. (Autodesk reserves the right to change this date at
any point in time and without notice)
>
>
> Please note that the right to use the Softimage license will terminate at
the end of the transition period if you are still on Subscription. You will
be transitioned to the latest release of either 3ds Max or Maya depending
on your initial choice. If you want to continue to use your Softimage
license after Feb 1, 2016 you should not renew your Subscription contract
for a period beyond that date. You will be able to continue to use
Softimage but will forfeit any future updates to either 3ds Max or Maya.
>
>
> [Description: Transition paths]
>
> 6.
>
> Do I have to migrate?
> There is no requirement to migrate. Softimage customers who are on
Softimage 2015 or earlier versions (with or without Subscription) can
choose to remain on their last version of Softimage. However, if you are on
Subscription, you can transition to either Maya with Softimage or 3ds Max
with Softimage and keep using Softimage 2015 and earlier versions while
learning either Maya or 3ds Max respectively.
>
> 7.
>
> Can I purchase new seats of Softimage?
> As of March 28, 2014 only existing Softimage customers will be able to
purchase new or additional seats of Softimage by purchasing either the Maya
with Softimage or 3ds Max with Softimage transition offerings. These
transition offerings will be available for purchase at the cost of $3,675
US SRP* for the duration of the transition period (approximately two years
(see question 5)). These transition offerings will also be available as
rental plans for purchase at the cost of $575 US SRP quarterly, or $1,840
US SRP annually. After the two year transition period customers will no
longer be able to purchase or rent new Softimage licenses from Autodesk.
>
> 8.
>
> Can customers who did not previously own Softimage purchase these
bundles?
> No. The Maya with Softimage and 3ds Max with Softimage licenses are not
available to customers who do not currently own Softimage licenses.
>
> 9.
>
> I did not renew my Subscription. Can I transition to Maya or 3ds Max?
> If you have purchased a new license or upgraded your Softimage within the
last 365 days you can late-attach Subscription by paying the Late Renewal
fee. Once you are current and on Subscription you will have access to the
transition offerings previously described in question 5.
>
> 10.
>
> I am on an older version and wish to transition to Maya or 3ds Max. Can
I?
> To be eligible to transition to either 3ds Max with Softimage or Maya
with Softimage you will need to upgrade your software to the latest version
of Softimage using standard Autodesk upgrade paths. Versions older than 6
versions back are typically not eligible for upgrades and other limitations
may apply. Once you have upgraded to the latest version, you must also
purchase a Subscription contract to gain access to the transition offerings
described in question 5.
>
>
> Please note that after February 1, 2015, Autodesk will no longer offer
software upgrades for purchase for all of its software products.
>
> 11.
>
> I recently purchased Softimage software/Subscription. Can I get a full
refund?
> Standard Autodesk refund policies apply. Contact your reseller or, if
purchased on-line, refer to the following guidelines: Return and
Cancellations<https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/etrack.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&FORMID=bbdca7c18a1535b1ffbc24725fe642a3&INTID=08f974dac32ba2380b1348731c570ede&AUDID=dc482f8407033a7eeebee55a40d54b838da4a93ff9131343&DECODE=1&URL=http://store.autodesk.com/store?Action=DisplayReturnAndCancellationsPage&Env=BASE&Locale=en_US&SiteID=adskus>
>
> 12.
>
> Who can I talk to if I have questions about this program?
> If you have questions about this program please contact your Autodesk
Reseller or local Autodesk Representative.
>
> 13.
>
> What changes are you making to the Autodesk Entertainment Creation
Suites?
> As of March 28, 2014, Autodesk will make the following changes to its
FY15 Entertainment Creation Suites (ECS) portfolio:
> *
>
> Autodesk Maya ECS Standard - NO CHANGE
>
> *
>
> Autodesk 3ds Max ECS Standard - NO CHANGE
>
> *
>
> Autodesk Softimage ECS Standard (available in Japan-only) - 2015 will be
the last version release.
>
> *
>
> Autodesk 3ds Max ECS Premium - will be replaced by Autodesk ECS Ultimate.
>
> *
>
> Autodesk Maya ECS Premium - will be replaced by Autodesk ECS Ultimate.
>
> *
>
> Autodesk ECS Ultimate will be reduced in price.
>
>
> 14.
>
> What is happening to Entertainment Creation Suite Premium customers?
> Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2014 and Autodesk 3ds
Max Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2014 will be the last releases of
the Premium suites. All Premium suite customers on Subscription will be
automatically fulfilled with Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate
2015. If you are not on Subscription you may be able to upgrade.
>
> 15.
>
> Will customers have to pay more when they are automatically fulfilled
with the Ultimate Suite?
> We will be re-pricing the Ultimate Suite (for both new licenses and for
Subscription) to be at similar prices to the previous Premium Suite. See
the question below for details on new Ultimate Suite pricing.
>
> 16.
>
> What is happening with the Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate
offering?
> Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate will remain with the same
product composition for two years: Softimage 2015 and whatever the latest
versions of 3ds Max, Maya, MotionBuilder and Mudbox may be during that time
period. The Ultimate Suite will also be re-priced to match the previous
price of the Premium Suite at $6,825 US SRP*. Ultimate Suite Subscription
prices will also be reduced to be close to the price of the previous
Premium Suite Subscription with Advanced Support offering at $1,090 US SRP*
(a $75 difference). After two years, Softimage will be removed from the
suite.
>
> 17.
>
> What is happening with the Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite (Japan
only) offering?
> Autodesk Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite customers on Subscription
will be offered a free transition to either the Autodesk 3ds Max
Entertainment Creation Suite Standard or the Autodesk Maya Entertainment
Creation Suite Standard. Support will provided for two years. There will be
no new sales of Autodesk Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite after March
28, 2014.
>
>
> To discuss your transition options Contact a
Reseller<https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/etrack.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&FORMID=bbdca7c18a1535b1ffbc24725fe642a3&INTID=08f974dac32ba2380b1348731c570ede&AUDID=dc482f8407033a7eeebee55a40d54b838da4a93ff9131343&DECODE=1&URL=https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/delivery/linktracking/lmark.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&LID=a1ede08e74ba134ecee55317ea02deb4>
>
>
>
> [Description: industry image]
>
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>
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