Adobe took a bold step recently when it announced that future releases of its creative applications (beyond Creative Cloud 6.0) would only be available via the Creative Cloud, its online subscription service. This is part of a two-year company-wide plan to shift the business to the cloud and subscription model - no easy task for a large, established provider with a multi-line portfolio. The effect is apparent in its financial results (see the HotViews archive here). The latest move has drawn criticism from photography users concerned about the ability to access their files if they end their subscription, and potential higher costs relating to higher internet usage which is a consequence of manipulating large digital images online. Adobe has responded by saying it will look at potential offerings for photographers because of their unique needs.
The ability to access files once a subscription has expired is not an issue that is widely discussed but it is something that could catch both providers and buyers out. Providers who are upfront and transparent about post-subscription file access and available formats, particularly where proprietary and specialist formats are concerned, will put themselves into a favourable position.