Since 2013, Adobe Creative Cloud has been the place to access the Creative Suite products that used to be sold separately as a software package. Instead of it being a traditional SaaS [Software as a Service] package that requires users to work on the Cloud, Adobe has the products downloaded from the Cloud on your preferred local device. The integrity of the system is maintained by having the software validate your license from time to time.
Adobe has created 4 specific plans that allow you to access the Creative Suite in a way that best suits your needs. Here are the pros and cons of Adobe Creative Cloud to think about before you jump in to use this suite of products today.
What Are the Pros of Adobe Creative Cloud?
1. The entry price to Adobe Creative Cloud is extremely competitive.
Before moving to the Cloud, it would cost hundreds of dollars to purchase the various software packages that were needed. Now you can have a free trial to see if this suite of products will work for you. Then you can choose a plan that starts as low as $9.99 per month. You can use all the apps for $49.99 per month.
2. You don’t have to keep paying for the upgrades.
Instead of needing to repetitively pay hundreds of dollars for every upgrade to the software as you did in the past, the apps that are now offered are consistently upgraded so that you are always using the latest version that has been released. If you have the All Apps Plan, then if Adobe releases something that is brand new, you’ll have access to it automatically without needing to change your plan.
3. You can access your plan virtually anywhere.
As long as you have a connection to the internet, then you have the ability to access your Adobe Creative Cloud anywhere in the world. You can choose which devices have the local downloads for your products so you can always be productive. Under a perpetual license, you wouldn’t have this same luxury unless you took your one computer with you everywhere.
4. There are still per device licenses available.
For schools and universities, Adobe has created per device licenses and per named-user licenses that help to keep costs under control. An All Apps license per device, for example, is just under $300 per year. Students and teachers also have special pricing options that help to keep costs under control. For business users, single app plans begin at the $30 per month mark.
What Are the Cons of Adobe Creative Cloud?
1. Some plans are more expensive than the older perpetual licenses.
Some of the plans that Adobe has created are actually going to cost you more over time than if you were to purchase the software directly in the past. Although it generally takes 3-4 years to reach this level, it can be a disadvantage to some businesses to the point where they choose not to subscribe to the Creative Cloud.
2. There is no guarantee of consistent pricing.
Many of the plans offered by Adobe to access the Creative Cloud are annual plans that are billed monthly. That gives you just 12 months of locked-in pricing for the services that you need. There is no guarantee that Adobe won’t decide to double your pricing after your first annual contract, leaving you with the choice to keep paying it or to lose the opportunity to access the work you’ve been doing for the last year.
3. The downloads are not portable from computer to computer.
If you want to use Adobe Creative Cloud on multiple devices, then you’ll need to download it onto multiple devices. If you’re used to working on the internet, then you know that not every location has a great ISP location. Installing from a drive to a new computer can save you a lot of time. Adobe makes you download products from the Cloud.
4. Not every app that Adobe produces is upgraded at the same rate.
If you’re using one of the apps that Adobe is consistently upgrading to bigger and better things, then the subscription price is going to seem like it is worthwhile. If you’re using Dreamweaver, for example, and it hasn’t been updated in 6 months, then it seems like you’re not receiving the same amount of value than people who are using the other apps.
The pros and cons of Adobe Creative Cloud show that you’re essentially just renting this product. If you stop paying the monthly subscription, then you lose access to the product. That wouldn’t happen under a perpetual license. For some folks, this model could save them some money. For others, it could cost them more cash. That’s why it is important to evaluate your needs now so you can know if this is an investment you should make.
Although millions of people visit Brandon's blog each month, his path to success was not easy. Go here to read his incredible story, "From Disabled and $500k in Debt to a Pro Blogger with 5 Million Monthly Visitors." If you want to send Brandon a quick message, then visit his contact page here.