Subscription Adobe FrameMaker 12

[Brad00168]

Hello,

I have three questions:

1.  Do I have to lock into a 12-month subscription for using the subscription option for Adobe FrameMaker 12, or can I just do month-to-month and cancel after 4-6 months or so?

2.  If I use the subscription version for Adobe FrameMaker 12, can I install it on my desktop and laptop, or am I limited to just 1 computer?

3.  Related to my second question, does anyone know if I can install the stand-alone version (boxed retail DVD) of FrameMaker 12 and/or Technical Communication Suite 5 on my desktop and laptop?

Thank you.

Brad

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

1. Check with Adobe about pricing on the subscription model.

2. The software is the same AFAIK as the perpetual licence, so you get 2 locations where you can install and activate on – they just can’t be in use at the same time.

3. Same as #2

[Mike Wickham]

The perpetual license version of FrameMaker DOES let you install on both

desktop and laptop computers. You just aren't allowed to use both at

once. I assume the same is true for subscription version.

Personally, I will never go with a subscription model. No matter how

long you subscribe, once you stop paying, the software stops working,

and it won't matter how many hundreds or thousands you spent to use it

previously. Your files aren't usable by other programs, so they will

become useless.

The perpetual license (standalone) version of FM will work as long as

you have a computer and operating system that can operate it. Further,

if you ever stop using FM, you can sell your perpetual license to

someone else to recoup some of your money. If you sell your business,

the perpetual license is an asset that can increase the selling price of

your business. A subscription, on the other hand, is a liability that

could reduce the price.

There is really only one reason to consider a subscription model and

that's if you can't afford to buy FrameMaker or optional future upgrades

outright. I recommend against the subscription model.

Full Version $999

Upgrades $399 from previous version

Upgrades are typically every 18 months, so ~$266/yr.

Subscription $29.99/mo. or ~ $360/yr

Though charged monthly, I'm pretty sure the subscription is a one-year

contract.

[Arnis Gubins]

1. The month-to-month subscription disappeared a while ago - it was great while it lasted. One could pick up extra seats for a project or seasonal work or have it charged to projects/clients as required. You now have to sign on for a yearly subscription (paid monthly).

Mike presents good arguments for the perpetual vs subscription license models. Also note that the license models are not convertible either (i.e. you can't go from a subscription to a perpetual or vice versa).  Choose wisely...

2 & 3. Two activations per license, but can NOT be used concurrently.