This is by no means directed at Maurice or Mark Stevens,
as it has probably been written by political correctness specialists on behalf 
of Mark,
on orders from (cold/calculated)  decision takers from way upstairs (way up in 
the clouds).


But I find the following highlighted portions of these excerpts to be highly 
dubious at best.

We are committed to providing(forcing)  our customers with(what we condider to 
be)  the*most technologically advanced*  *products*  and highest quality*  
customer service**  *possible.

After careful consideration, it has become*necessary*  to make some changes to 
our software portfolio in order to continue to do so.

We therefore regret to inform you ...

__________

*We understand*  that you will now need time to re-evaluate your production 
capabilities.

__________

Our goal is to give you the*flexibilityyou needto continue to use, and scale, 
Softimage*in production   (only)during the transition to either Maya or 3ds Max.

__________

Although this decision is a*difficult one*, we do believe that by focusing our 
efforts we can*better serve*the needs of the media and entertainment industry 
and provide customers with*better products*, faster.

__________

As of March 28, 2014, Softimage will*no longer be available for sale to new 
customers*.

Discontinuing development is one thing,  but making it *unavailable*really  is 
something else (!)

We*regret*any inconvenience that this may cause, however we believe you will 
find our new transition product offerings*very attractive*.


Sorry but.. Understanding and Regret requires the ability to actually have 
feeling.




On 03/04/14 12:01, Maurice Patel wrote:
Over the past week there have been many rumors about the future of Softimage 
posted on various forums and social media sites. Many of you have been looking 
for an official confirmation or denial from Autodesk. Unfortunately, we were 
not in a position to respond until today as we needed to finalize all the 
details of our plans. But yes Softimage 2015 will be the last release of the 
software. I wanted to share some of those details with you:

-  Softimage 2015 will be the last release of the software

-  We will continue to support the software and develop hot fixes and service 
packs for two more years

-  If they wish to, customers on Subscription will be able to transition to 
Maya or 3ds Max at no cost while retaining the right to continue to use 
Softimage in production/

-  Existing customers will be able to purchase additional seats and/or rental 
plans if they need to scale production

Below is a copy of the letter that was sent electronically to Softimage 
customers today. I have copied it here as our email distribution lists not 
allow us to send it to those who have opted out.



Because several of our partners have started posting the news early, we are 
responding now but please note our web sites have not had time to upload all 
the information yet.



As early as possible but by no later than 3pm EST, we will have loaded all the 
information including a detailed FAQ on 
www.autodesk.com/softimage<http://www.autodesk.com/softimage>. In the interim I 
have also copied and pasted it below



Within the next 15 minutes you can also visit 
http://area.autodesk.com/softimagetransition  to register for a live Q&A 
webinar on Marc 18th at 12pm EST. as well as see the full documentation of what is 
new in Softimage 2015.



Maurice Patel

Autodesk


[Description: Autodesk]


Autodesk Softimage 2015 Last Release Announcement


To discuss your transition options Contact a 
Reseller<https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/etrack.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&FORMID=bbdca7c18a1535b1ffbc24725fe642a3&INTID=08f974dac32ba2380b1348731c570ede&AUDID=dc482f8407033a7eeebee55a40d54b838da4a93ff9131343&DECODE=1&URL=https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/delivery/linktracking/lmark.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&LID=a1ede08e74ba134ecee55317ea02deb4>


March 4, 2014

Dear Softimage Customer,

We are committed to providing our customers with the most technologically 
advanced products and highest quality customer service possible. After careful 
consideration, it has become necessary to make some changes to our software 
portfolio in order to continue to do so.

We therefore regret to inform you that the upcoming 2015 release will be the 
last one for Autodesk(r) Softimage(r), which is expected to ship on April 14, 
2014. Autodesk will continue to offer product support until Apr 30, 2016. We 
will also provide any necessary hot-fixes and service packs to all customers, 
at no cost, until Apr 30, 2016.

We understand that you will now need time to re-evaluate your production 
capabilities. To help you, we are offering Autodesk(r) Subscription customers 
special no cost options to migrate to either Autodesk(r) Maya(r) or Autodesk(r) 
3ds Max(r) while continuing to use Softimage in production. These options will 
be available until Feb 1, 2016. Upgrade paths are also available for customers 
who are not on Subscription.

As of March 28, 2014, Softimage will no longer be available for sale to new 
customers. However, we will provide existing customers with the option to 
purchase either additional software licenses or new rental plans until Feb 1, 
2016. Our goal is to give you the flexibility you need to continue to use, and 
scale, Softimage in production during the transition to either Maya or 3ds Max.

The Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite (ECS) Premium will no longer be 
available for sale as of March 28, 2014. ECS Premium customers on Subscription 
will receive Autodesk ECS Ultimate, at no additional cost. We will also be 
reducing the price of ECS Ultimate software and Subscription. Softimage 2015 
will remain part of ECS Ultimate for a transition period of two-years, after 
which it will be removed.

Although this decision is a difficult one, we do believe that by focusing our 
efforts we can better serve the needs of the media and entertainment industry 
and provide customers with better products, faster. Autodesk wants to continue 
its relationship with you into the future. We regret any inconvenience that 
this may cause, however we believe you will find our new transition product 
offerings very attractive.

We understand that you may still have questions about this transition and invite you to join us on Monday, 
March 17, 2014 at 12PM EST for a live Q&A webinar. Please register and submit your questions 
here<https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/etrack.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&FORMID=bbdca7c18a1535b1ffbc24725fe642a3&INTID=08f974dac32ba2380b1348731c570ede&AUDID=dc482f8407033a7eeebee55a40d54b838da4a93ff9131343&DECODE=1&URL=http://area.autodesk.com/softimagetransition>.

For more details please refer to the Questions and Answers section below.

Sincerely,

Marc Stevens
Vice President Film&  TV Solutions
Autodesk

Diana Colella
Sr. Director M&E Industry Strategy&  Marketing
Autodesk


Questions&  Answers

*

Autodesk(r) Softimage(r) 2015 will be the last release of the software

*

Autodesk Softimage 2015 is expected to ship on April 14, 2014.

*

Autodesk will provide Softimage customers on Autodesk(r) Subscription with 
support services until April 30, 2016.

*

Autodesk will provide all Softimage customers with any Hot Fixes or Service 
Packs issued until April 30, 2016.

*

Autodesk will provide Softimage Subscription customers with the option to 
migrate to a transition offering that includes either Autodesk(r) 3ds Max or 
Autodesk(r) Maya(r) software at no additional cost.

*

Customers that migrate to a transition offering will still be able to continue 
to use their Softimage license for the length of the transition period.

*

Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite (ECS) Premium will be discontinued and 
customers will receive Autodesk ECS Ultimate, free of charge.


1.

What is happening to Softimage?
Autodesk Softimage 2015 will be the last version release of the software. As of 
March 28, 2014, customers will no longer be able to purchase new standalone 
licenses. For Softimage customers who are currently on Autodesk Subscription, 
there will be options to migrate to transition offerings that include either 
Autodesk Maya or Autodesk 3ds Max for no additional cost. (see question 5 for 
details).

2.

How long will Autodesk provide support services for Softimage?
Autodesk plans to provide support and maintenance services to Softimage 
customers with active Autodesk Subscription contracts until April 30, 2016 or 
until the end of their contract in cases where an existing contract has a later 
expiry date. Customers renewing Subscription contracts will be able to continue 
to do so until April 30, 2016. Where necessary, contracts after March 28, 2014 
will be prorated to end on April 30, 2016.

3.

What about Service Packs?
Ongoing maintenance development (Hot Fixes and Service Packs) will continue for 
all customers (Subscription and non-Subscription) for a two-year support period 
(until April 30, 2016). All customers will be entitled to any Hot Fixes or 
Service Packs released for their version of software. However, an Autodesk 
Subscription contract will be required to access any additional customer 
support services.

4.

Why is Autodesk discontinuing new releases of Softimage?
This decision is necessary for Autodesk to keep pace with the industry's rapid 
rate of change and to better serve our customers during this highly turbulent 
transitional period for both visual effects and games. We need to innovate 
faster while balancing our investment in the development of features and 
functionality needed to support new and existing customer workflows. We did not 
make this decision lightly. Many factors were taken into consideration during 
the decision making process, including the impact on the Softimage user base. 
Although the decision is a difficult one, we do believe that by doing this we 
can better serve the needs of the industry as a whole and provide customers 
with better product choices.

5.

I am on Subscription. Is there a migration path for me?
Yes, if you have an active Softimage Subscription contract you will be able to 
migrate to the latest release of either Maya or 3ds Max, at no additional cost. 
In order for you to continue to use Softimage while you transition we have 
created two special offerings which will be available to you for a limited time 
only (the transition period*):
*

Maya with Softimage: includes Autodesk Maya 2015 and Autodesk Softimage 2015

*

3ds Max with Softimage: includes Autodesk 3ds Max 2015 and Autodesk Softimage 
2015

This way, you can still use your license of Softimage for production work while 
learning either Maya or 3ds Max.


*The transition period is expected to last until February 1, 2016, 
approximately 2 years. (Autodesk reserves the right to change this date at any 
point in time and without notice)


Please note that the right to use the Softimage license will terminate at the 
end of the transition period if you are still on Subscription. You will be 
transitioned to the latest release of either 3ds Max or Maya depending on your 
initial choice. If you want to continue to use your Softimage license after Feb 
1, 2016 you should not renew your Subscription contract for a period beyond 
that date. You will be able to continue to use Softimage but will forfeit any 
future updates to either 3ds Max or Maya.


[Description: Transition paths]

6.

Do I have to migrate?
There is no requirement to migrate. Softimage customers who are on Softimage 
2015 or earlier versions (with or without Subscription) can choose to remain on 
their last version of Softimage. However, if you are on Subscription, you can 
transition to either Maya with Softimage or 3ds Max with Softimage and keep 
using Softimage 2015 and earlier versions while learning either Maya or 3ds Max 
respectively.

7.

Can I purchase new seats of Softimage?
As of March 28, 2014 only existing Softimage customers will be able to purchase 
new or additional seats of Softimage by purchasing either the Maya with 
Softimage or 3ds Max with Softimage transition offerings. These transition 
offerings will be available for purchase at the cost of $3,675 US SRP* for the 
duration of the transition period (approximately two years (see question 5)). 
These transition offerings will also be available as rental plans for purchase 
at the cost of $575 US SRP quarterly, or $1,840 US SRP annually. After the two 
year transition period customers will no longer be able to purchase or rent new 
Softimage licenses from Autodesk.

8.

Can customers who did not previously own Softimage purchase these bundles?
No. The Maya with Softimage and 3ds Max with Softimage licenses are not 
available to customers who do not currently own Softimage licenses.

9.

I did not renew my Subscription. Can I transition to Maya or 3ds Max?
If you have purchased a new license or upgraded your Softimage within the last 
365 days you can late-attach Subscription by paying the Late Renewal fee. Once 
you are current and on Subscription you will have access to the transition 
offerings previously described in question 5.

10.

I am on an older version and wish to transition to Maya or 3ds Max. Can I?
To be eligible to transition to either 3ds Max with Softimage or Maya with 
Softimage you will need to upgrade your software to the latest version of 
Softimage using standard Autodesk upgrade paths. Versions older than 6 versions 
back are typically not eligible for upgrades and other limitations may apply. 
Once you have upgraded to the latest version, you must also purchase a 
Subscription contract to gain access to the transition offerings described in 
question 5.


Please note that after February 1, 2015, Autodesk will no longer offer software 
upgrades for purchase for all of its software products.

11.

I recently purchased Softimage software/Subscription. Can I get a full refund?
Standard Autodesk refund policies apply. Contact your reseller or, if purchased on-line, refer to the following 
guidelines: Return and 
Cancellations<https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/etrack.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&FORMID=bbdca7c18a1535b1ffbc24725fe642a3&INTID=08f974dac32ba2380b1348731c570ede&AUDID=dc482f8407033a7eeebee55a40d54b838da4a93ff9131343&DECODE=1&URL=http://store.autodesk.com/store?Action=DisplayReturnAndCancellationsPage&Env=BASE&Locale=en_US&SiteID=adskus>

12.

Who can I talk to if I have questions about this program?
If you have questions about this program please contact your Autodesk Reseller 
or local Autodesk Representative.

13.

What changes are you making to the Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites?
As of March 28, 2014, Autodesk will make the following changes to its FY15 
Entertainment Creation Suites (ECS) portfolio:
*

Autodesk Maya ECS Standard - NO CHANGE

*

Autodesk 3ds Max ECS Standard - NO CHANGE

*

Autodesk Softimage ECS Standard (available in Japan-only) - 2015 will be the 
last version release.

*

Autodesk 3ds Max ECS Premium - will be replaced by Autodesk ECS Ultimate.

*

Autodesk Maya ECS Premium - will be replaced by Autodesk ECS Ultimate.

*

Autodesk ECS Ultimate will be reduced in price.


14.

What is happening to Entertainment Creation Suite Premium customers?
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2014 and Autodesk 3ds Max 
Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2014 will be the last releases of the 
Premium suites. All Premium suite customers on Subscription will be 
automatically fulfilled with Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate 
2015. If you are not on Subscription you may be able to upgrade.

15.

Will customers have to pay more when they are automatically fulfilled with the 
Ultimate Suite?
We will be re-pricing the Ultimate Suite (for both new licenses and for 
Subscription) to be at similar prices to the previous Premium Suite. See the 
question below for details on new Ultimate Suite pricing.

16.

What is happening with the Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate offering?
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate will remain with the same 
product composition for two years: Softimage 2015 and whatever the latest 
versions of 3ds Max, Maya, MotionBuilder and Mudbox may be during that time 
period. The Ultimate Suite will also be re-priced to match the previous price 
of the Premium Suite at $6,825 US SRP*. Ultimate Suite Subscription prices will 
also be reduced to be close to the price of the previous Premium Suite 
Subscription with Advanced Support offering at $1,090 US SRP* (a $75 
difference). After two years, Softimage will be removed from the suite.

17.

What is happening with the Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite (Japan only) 
offering?
Autodesk Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite customers on Subscription will 
be offered a free transition to either the Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment 
Creation Suite Standard or the Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite 
Standard. Support will provided for two years. There will be no new sales of 
Autodesk Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite after March 28, 2014.


To discuss your transition options Contact a 
Reseller<https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/etrack.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&FORMID=bbdca7c18a1535b1ffbc24725fe642a3&INTID=08f974dac32ba2380b1348731c570ede&AUDID=dc482f8407033a7eeebee55a40d54b838da4a93ff9131343&DECODE=1&URL=https://leads.autodesk.com/aprimoportal/delivery/linktracking/lmark.aspx?DSN=7f98cd601ea567f8649a5d74b1958a30&LID=a1ede08e74ba134ecee55317ea02deb4>



[Description: industry image]

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for the specified product and services in the United States. The SRP does not 
include any allowance or provision for installation or taxes. The SRP is 
displayed for reference purposes only, as the actual retail price is determined 
by your reseller. Other terms and conditions may apply. Autodesk reserves the 
right to alter the SRP, product offerings, and specification of its products 
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