Adobe CS6 was announced two weeks ago, and is now available for purchase as a download or in the retail box format. Unlike CS5.5 from CS5, there are a lot more “features” than it’s previous versions to be included, but not necessarily application based design tool enhancements like we normally see from Adobe. This time around it’s all about the “Cloud”. Now, with the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription services you can purchase the adobe suite on a monthly basis, which ends up being a very reasonable buy in, if you ever plan to upgrade your software on an annual basis, as it tends to be a bit cheaper. Especially if you need to pick up the entire suite. Though, pricing can tend to get away from you if you are after only a select few Adobe Applications, then buying the non-subscription based license may run you a few dollars less.
With the new “Cloud” setup Adobe is pushing, you have a whole new arsenal of tool sets that compliment the already “Sweet” Adobe Suite. Being able to own a subscription license does give you the flexibility you need as you can pay month to month and upgrades are included “free” assuming you still have an active subscription. In addition to that software itself, you gain access to the cloud functionality as a part of the subscription. Some of the features within the cloud allow you to save and collaborate files amongst your colleagues, eliminating the need for other possible file sharing web based apps ( well maybe. )
It’s even easier now, to setup and build a site as you can host it directly with Adobe, and plans include different levels to choose from and integration with Adobe Catalyst. One of my favorite features of this whole “setup” , is small but unique. It’s the ability to upload custom fonts to your website, without the need for a 3rd party provider. Which means it shouldn’t leave you worrying any longer about your page load times if and when anything were to happen or slow down your font providers, such as Google fonts.
Taking a look at the product comparison, it would be a bit ludicrous to ever consider “buying” the software outright any longer, as it seems the subscription is now the way to go especially if are able to utilize the cloud features. Pricing is at 49.99/mo on an annual commitment plan, where as the month to month is on a $79.99 plan. Education pricing is also a part of the mix at $29.99 a month. If you are already a CS Suite owner, you can always add cloud services for $29.99 a month at any time. Adobe is definitely making the push for for the residual revenue , and they are making a bold move to stay ahead of times. We know that everything is moving to the “Cloud” , from SaaS to Mobile solutions it’s all on the way. Google’s got the right idea with the Chrome Browser laptops.
