I keep all installer files and of course the licenses itself on backup. The licenses are yours and they will not stop working. I once renewed a network license with ADSK to move it to a new server without problems. However, when I moved to SOFT2015, I tried to request a new license for an old 2011 version just out of curiosity and it didn't work via the website (serial was not recognized). But I think that’s one of the flaws with the ADSK websites. I wasn't able to get a lic file for the 2015 either even the serial was recognised. COntacted support and they sent me the lic file.
Even the perception of ADSK is evil, eating your children alive, they're not criminals :) I would not expect problems in renewing licenses in the future. In the rare case, ADSK will go bankrupt in a couple of years, and you would have to move the license to a new server, you can still use the old license file. You would have to keep the name of the server of course. The MAC ID for the network card is changeable so an old lic-file will keep working. I don't know how this apply to standalone licenses however since they're more tightened to specific hardware of the workstation. Generally it might be a good idea to move old projects to newer versions every couple of years. But most of the times we forget about it and face problems like Matt Lind did with his old Soft3D databases :) I would also try to keep everything local stored on backups and not relying an vendors to give you access to old versions. That applies not to ADSK alone but to the general trend software vendors trying to establish with clouds, subscription and other methods. Usually I don't mind open old projects with newer versions. So I don't bind projects to versions. Last year I opened an old scene from around XSI v4 with Soft2011 and started working on it. If you are unsure about available service packs from the past, just ask the hive. Sven -----Original Message----- From: softimage-boun...@listproc.autodesk.com [mailto:softimage-boun...@listproc.autodesk.com] On Behalf Of Tim Leydecker Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2014 1:45 PM To: softimage@listproc.autodesk.com Subject: How do you guys make sure XSI files and Softimage 7.5+ files will open in 2016? Hi guys, how do you guys prepare for the time after Softimage 2015 and how do you guys cope with files dating back to legacy versions of Softimage XSI, like from old XSI Foundation files, Softimage XSI version pre 7.5 and so on? Aside from the fact that I am still not sure if I have to take any specific action with Autodesk to make sure I´ll have a Softimage 2015 license to run after the Autodesk 2016 Suite will be released or the licensing model changes somewhere in February 2015, I do feel additional pressure to make sure my last 10 years worth of Softimage/XSI files will not end up as a cryptic data dump equal 42. Do you guys also try to keep at least the old licenses&installers on backup? How do you cope with the servicepacks and updates usually not directly available via the subscription center´s account data&download link but only the intial releases listed there? Personally, I get lost keeping track of wether or not I actually have all neccessary servicepack, etc. for each release cycle or if this or that pack is a full install or a patch. I´d wish for Autodesk at least centralizing all downloads instead of scattering things all over downloads, subscription center home, account info and maybe even the area... Maya Bonus Tools probably means you get a Bonus Dolphin Sticker on your user account when you successfully managed to also nfind and download it in the correct version ... Cheers, tim
