I remember developing a web based beta program for Autodesk back in 1999. The reason for going to the web was simple as the CD media took too much time to create and get to the customers in addition to the shipping and manufacturing costs. Only a few back then wanted physical media like a CD-ROM but it became the default for beta testing all Autodesk products. Customers could get the software on their machine in a few minutes as opposed to possibly taking days, weeks, or months for some overseas. For several years I heard customers complain that they could receive the betas, updates, and ADN products by download, but not the shipping versions. When we shipped new releases I would get many complaining about having to wait for the delivery truck to arrive. Some were creative and realized we had been providing software download option for several years in many countries by downloading the trial versions of the software.

Today most customers around the world have access to the Internet so now the default Autodesk Subscription software delivery will be by download. For those that require the physical media they can request the media free of charge. This will reduce the time to get your software as well as save the materials and resources used to package and ship products. Be green, download your products.

Message from Autodesk PR:

“’Starting this month, software download will replace CDs and DVDs as the default method of delivering software upgrades to most Autodesk® Subscription customers worldwide.

• If a customer would prefer to receive their software upgrade via CD/DVD instead of via download, customers can set their delivery preference to “box” by signing in to Subscription Center and updating their profile prior to March 12, 2010. (Date does not apply to Media and Entertainment customers.)

• After March 12, 2010 customers in countries affected by this policy change can still request a CD/DVD by submitting a request in Subscription Center and Autodesk will ship a CD/DVD at no additional cost.

Software download gives Subscription customers immediate access to the latest Autodesk software. It’s more convenient than installing upgrades from a CD or DVD. And, it’s a more sustainable choice. Autodesk will continue to ship CDs/DVDs to Subscription customers in some countries as the default delivery method; however, these customers will also have the option to download their Autodesk software upgrades.
Questions, Additional information, and a Customer FAQ can be found on the Subscription Software Download page. Or email subscription-team@autodesk.com.

In which countries will software download be the default method for delivering software upgrades to Subscription customers?
Software download will be the default method of delivering software upgrades to Autodesk Subscription customers in the 37 countries listed below. Autodesk Subscription Software Coordinators in these countries will be notified by email when their software upgrade is
available to download. They will not automatically receive a box."

Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bahamas, France, Hong Kong, Bolivia, Germany, Korea, Brazil, Ireland, Macau, Canada, Italy, Malaysia, Chile, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Colombia, Portugal, Singapore, Costa Rica, Spain, Taiwan, Dominican Republic, Switzerland, Ecuador, United Kingdom, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and the United States.“

I get most of my software I purchase even the large software packages by download and have for several years. I love the immediate delivery.

Cheers,
Shaan

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