CAD Mgmt: Autodesk Software Retirement

Mandatory Retirement Age
Regardless of your opinion about software retirement, the fact is that Autodesk is retiring Inventor Series 7 software on Saturday, October 15, 2005 and all AutoCAD 2002-based software on Monday, January 16, 2006.

And Don't Count on Social Security
After those dates you will not get support or upgrades from Autodesk for that software.

Senior Discounts
If you upgrade before the end of July you may get a discount of up to 20% off your upgrade (if you also purchase subscription, which is not discounted). I have found no mention of discounts for eye glasses, dentures, or hearing aids.

Fading Memory
Last year the best retirement discount was May through July, second best was August through October, and there was no discount after that. Those odd dates, by the way, coincide with Autodesk's fiscal year which begins February 1: Q1=Feb-Mar-Apr, Q2=May-Jun-Jul, Q3=Aug-Sep-Oct, Q4=Nov-Dec-Jan. If you can't upgrade right away, you will need to check with your reseller after the beginning of each quarter. BIAS ALERT: I work for a reseller during the day, so of course I want you to upgrade (with me) as soon as possible.

Retirement Party?
I'm not planning a retirement party, but if you do, please send me an invitation. For more information about Autodesk software retirement, contact your reseller and go to http://www.autodesk.com/upgradetoday