Pro8 Licence Change

[MikeN]

In previous versions, up to Pro7, section 2.7 of the Licence Agreement allowed installation of the program on a desktop computer and a portable computer without having to buy an additional licence. Section 2.7 has been completely re-written for Pro8 and it seems that it's now one machine - one licence.

I have had Pro7 installed on my desktop and my laptop from day one. This is useful if I'm away somewhere as I can play about with images on the laptop to see that I can get the results I need before returning home and processing them on the desktop. Of course I can still use Pro7 on the laptop for now but through time, as later versions diverge more and more, that will become more difficult. In effect it seems to be a sneaky form of hidden price increase for those that need to use the program on a second, portable machine while working away from base.

[Bobbert]

That is a game changer for me. Not that Pro 8 offers me enough to upgrade from 7, but when 9 comes out with even better development and search tools, I'll have to pause and consider. I use ACDsee on my home and away computers. It's like a book, i should be able to take my copy with me. One USER, not one installation is fair.

[kap55]

Am I ever glad you posted this. I have used ACDSee Pro since version 2 and have always installed it on 3 computers - home work and laptop.

By paying an upgrade fee of $60/yr (which is what seems to be happening for at least the last three years) I am effectively renting this software for $5/month. Licensing 2 computers would be $10/month which is the same price I could be renting Lightroom/Photoshop for.

There are no improvements for me in version 8, but I was going to upgrade anyway because I understand that future development of the program does cost money. Because of this new licensing policy, I am finished upgrading - in fact I am finished with ACDSee. I will now be reassessing my processing tools and since I already use Photoshop, adding Lightroom should be fairly straight forward.

[Rustywatter]

I also note the new licence restrictions. I have had ACDSee since before it had a number and each upgrade since. I have it on my desktop and on my laptop so I can edit the pictures taken in the field (bridge inspection photos ~300/bridge) and show the enhanced photos to clients directly while I am at their office. Having to purchase two licences doubles the cost of the program and is more than simply annoying as I also note that there are now a number of "package" deals set up for for new customers. How about supporting those loyal clients like myself who use ACDSee Pro to efficiently clean up and present their work.
Rustywatter

[Robert Linsdell]

I have raised this concern with customer support. I await their response.

[Larry]

I also emailed support about this and asked them to re-consider their limiting to one computer. Unfortunately I won't be upgrading as I use on two computers and requiring 2 licenses would make ACDSee v8 too expense.

[MikeN]

I've already upgraded but I may have to look for an alternative program for when Pro 9 comes along. I think I'll probably give Lightroom 5 a try.

[7samurai]

This is a deal killer for me. I develop 95% of the time at home, but when I'm traveling, I like to see what I got so far.

[LV_Bill]

I've read the Terms and Conditions and noted the apparent change in the usage rules. I've asked ACD management for a clarification, and will post back when I have a definitive answer.

The historical ACD position (notwithstanding lawyers tinkering with the T&C wording from time to time) has always been that an ACD license applied to one individual named user for all of their systems -- desktop, laptop, tablet, etc. Obviously, networking a single license for multiple users was not legal. I'm not aware that there has been any intended change in this policy. Stay tuned -- more later.

/Bill

[Larry]

I had written them for clarification and their reply was:

Thank you for contacting ACD Systems Customer Support.

According to our license agreement you can install the program with one license code just for one computer
For two computers you need two license codes

[LV_Bill]

@Larry - Let's wait and see what ACD management has to say on this subject.

[MikeN]

I've read the Terms and Conditions and noted the apparent change in the usage rules. I've asked ACD management for a clarification, and will post back when I have a definitive answer.

The historical ACD position (notwithstanding lawyers tinkering with the T&C wording from time to time) has always been that an ACD license applied to one individual named user for all of their systems -- desktop, laptop, tablet, etc. Obviously, networking a single license for multiple users was not legal. I'm not aware that there has been any intended change in this policy. Stay tuned -- more later.
/Bill

Hi LV_Bill. Thanks for that. I await the response from ACD management with interest.

I'm not sure how far back your 'historical position' refers to. I've been using ACDSee Pro since Pro 5. I no longer have a copy of 5 so I can't check the terms of the licence. However I have Pro 6 and Pro 7 installed and the licences share the same wording on this issue as follows:

2.7 Portable Computer Use – If You have installed this Software on Your desktop computer, You may install a second copy of this Software on Your portable computer for Your exclusive use only.

That seems to say quite clearly that you can install only two copies of the software per licence and that those two copies must be on a desktop and a laptop - not, for instance, on a desktop and a tablet, or on two laptops, or on a laptop and a tablet.

Personally, I think that desktop and laptop is reasonable. I hope very much that ACD management will revert back to the version of 2.7 which I have quoted since I like ACDSee Pro and would prefer to continue using it. In the meantime, while awaiting their response, I'm off to download a trial copy of Lightroom 5.

[Bobbert]

I really hate to consider alternatives, ACD works so well for me. LR is not an option, one of the reasons I ended up with ACD is that I disliked the LR interface and results. I'm going to give Zoner a try just to see what it is capable of, but Pro 7 will do well for a long time.

[Larry]

@lv_bill I have to assume that the customer support person who emailed the response to my question will give the official ACDSee policy. Wouldn't you? Just curios to see what I may be missing.

[mcosgrove]

Dear Customers,

The ACDSee 18 and ACDSee Pro 8 license agreement has changed. The agreement now states:
Each licensed copy of this Software may be used on one single computer location or workstation.

With that said - We will be offering exsiting ACDSee owners upgrades to either ACDSee Pro 8 or ACDSee 18
with two seats for $69.99 and $49.99 respectively.

Please keep an eye on your inbox within the next week for your coupons!

Regards,
Mark Cosgrove