Please, Adobe…Can We Have Crossplatform Licensing?
Today, I got an email from Quark extolling the virtues of Quark 8. It was connected to the demo I downloaded a couple of months ago and was to tell me that the evaluation period had ended and of course invited me to purchase the software. The email listed all of the great features of the software but the one thing that stood out to me wasn’t a program feature at it all, it was this:
Dual platform licensing so you can use QuarkXPress 8 on Mac OS or Windows® without having to do complex or costly license transfers
In the past most folks were Windows users or Mac users and so, for the most part the only thing that mattered as far as platform was that the native files (INDD, PSD, PDF, AI) would work for a colleague or client on the other platform. But it’s a brand new world out there and if diehard Windows user like me is walking around with a Macbook, it may be time for Adobe to take a hard look at the way it licenses its software.
Right now, individual licenses allow for two installs and activations for use by one user but only on a single platform. While the two activations is quite fair, I hope that Adobe will consider including Mac and Windows versions on the installation media for future versions of its software.
So, are there any other dual platform folks out there? What do you think?
That would be kind of cool. I wonder though, how new is this? If this is something that is new in terms of design and layout programs and not just plug-ins and things then maybe Adobe isn’t neglecting this feature, only slack in implementation.
maybe this should submitted to
http://www.dearadobe.com/
I love this idea. It would be extremely useful. Look, you’re buying (licensing) a copy of InDesign, right? It’s not (shouldn’t be) “InDesign for Windows” or “InDesign for Mac.” It’s just InDesign. The idea that you have one or the other is very 20th century, and Adobe should do away with it. A large percentage of InDesign users at seminars and conferences (and our audience) works in a bi-platform world all the time.
Adobe has cross-platform licensing already. It’s called <a href=”http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/openoptions/”>Open Options Transactional Licensing Program. There is no minimum purchase (since Adobe and Macromedia merged) and any reseller should be able to assist you with an AOO purchase.
It is a slightly different process/experience from a retail box in that you purchase media separately from the license, but this enables you to purchase install media for both platforms. There are other advantages (especially if you need multiple licenses), but it’s been possible to obtain a cross-platform license for years…
I got burned by this with Macromedia a few years back. I picked up the Studio MX04, which allowed a similar 2 install per license adn the media supported Mac and PC.
So, I installed it on my PowerBook, activated it, and then moved on to my Windows desktop, installed it… and could not activate it.
After a call to customer support, I was informed that they didn’t allow cross platform licensing. I would have to purchase a second copy to install to my desktop.
So, to make a long story short (too late), I too would be interested in cross platform licensing for the common user (no volume license plan requirement).
-mt
I joined the printers program and it comes with Mac and Windows version. The way it should be. What happens if you work on a Mac at work but a PC at home which isn’t all that uncommon in my experience. You’re entitled to two installs but currently they must be same platform.
Score one for Quark. Actually two. Quark still links photos far better than ID. Link one photo and QX asks if you want to relink to all images in that folder. ID you have to go to flyout, link info. Navigate, navigate, navigate. Better than it was but still annoying.
I agree! I use both platforms between work and home. I want to buy CS4 now and load it on my HP laptop, however, what if I’d like to get a Mac (and I do) for home within the next year. Why should I have to purchase the software again?
Absolutely!
Personally I think it absurd that Lightroom is duel platform, but the CS Suite isn’t… Come On Adobe please sort it, you know it makes sense!
I’ve been suggesting this for years. Restricting me to a single platform due to Adobe’s marketing program (read greed) just sucks.
Here’s hoping Quark shakes the opposition by the tail (and I never thought I would say this, going by Quark’s historic arrogance).
@Richard:
Check out InDesign 6 (CS4). Problem resolved.
@Caleb Clauset
What you said is true, but not for individuals. “Adobe’s volume licensing programs offer corporations, creative agencies, government and education entities, and small to midsize businesses membership.”
I’d imagine they couldn’t provide you with two discs, one PC and one Mac for fear of resellers, but obviously Quark has figured it out for the individual user. Maybe CS5 with an upgrade plan?
I would be all for it. I’ve got a PC at work and a MacBook at home. It would make things a lot easier.
Consider my name on the petition.
I’d certainly like cross platfrom licensing. I have a PC desktop and Mac laptop. I do not like waiting for Parallels to boot so I can run a PC app.
I belong to the ASN partners program which provides both Mac and PC licenses for CS4 but it doesn’t help me with Lightroom.
It’s really necessary that cross platform licensing is used for Adobe, and it can contribute good results to the output. Thanks for the post.
I agree! I use both platforms between work and home. I want to buy CS4 now and load it on my HP laptop, however, what if I’d like to get a Mac (and I do) for home within the next year. Why should I have to purchase the software again?
I would be all for it. I’ve got a PC at work and a MacBook at home. It would make things a lot easier.