New pricing will not be cheaper overall for people who don't requi

[Defenestration]

Currently people can buy a Perpetual licence for $185.00 which includes all future updates and 1 year of support and services. Subsequent support and services can be purchased for US$30 per year.

The new pricing scheme is supposed to be cheaper for people who do not require much support but in reality this is not the case since for the Standard Licence price of US$149.00 you only get 6 months of upgrades.

Someone who requires no support but wishes to keep running the latest version of IPB will have to shell out an extra US$25 every 6 months to keep getting the latest upgrades. Therefore, the total cost after 1 year will have risen to US$199.00 (ie. US$149.00 + US$25 + US$25), and the price will continue to rise after this time by US$25 every 6 months. The new pricing scheme also works out more expensive than vB in the long run.

Why are people who require no support, but yet wish to run the latest version, being penalised with higher costs than the current pricing structure ?

I find it a bit sneaky that this new pricing structure has been introduced under the premise that the old pricing structure was too confusing, while the price has actually increased for people who wish to always run the latest version of IPB but yet require no support.

Am I correct, or does this new Standard Licence actually include all future updates ?

I personally think all future updates should be included with the new Standard Licence, since the support costs have increased over the old Perpetual Licence (ie. US$50 per year with new, as opposed to US$30 with old).

Please reconsider the terms of the new Standard Licence.

[.Ryan]

I hightly agree with you, there needs to be a plan for upgrades only. Because I can't even submit a freaking support tickect if I want to. I submit, and it shows you the page where you can look for a article, and then says click the link @ the bottom.... no link.

Anyways, they need to make a plan for perminant upgrades only. I don't want IPS support, I just want my products and upgrades to those products. I can install the software my self, I can fix it myself, because 99.9% of the errors are ours. Your webhosting, mods you install and such. I am totally annoyed that I have to renew for $25.00 for upgrades and support, what if I don't want support? Because I never use it...lol.

To be perfectly honest, more people would buy a license, if you just had a unlimited upgrades package. I don't want support, I just want upgrades. I understand charging $25.00 to go from IPB 2.2 --> IPB 3.0 that I can see, and I would not mind paying for it. Same thing with blog and gallery, but going from 2.2 --> 2.3 and getting charged is kinda cheap move.

I hope other people see our view, because it would be a very nice plan.

[Luke]

Well I know it might be sad to see lifetime upgrades go, but it's a business. It's cheaper in the long run because instead of paying $79 a year you are paying $50. The lifetime upgrades just doesnt really make sense if you think about it. It's how all software is.

[Strange_Will]

AFAIK: Lifetime still exists, it's only the support you pay $25 a month for, so you can put in support tickets.

[Luke]

AFAIK: Lifetime still exists, it's only the support you pay $25 a month for, so you can put in support tickets.

Actually with the new price changes it wouldn't be available. Granted those that have it keep it, but after they change it you will not be able to get lifetime upgrades anymore. And thats more of a smart business decision than anything else. And $50 being cheaper... It's really lower than that. You can renew for $25 when you want to do the upgrade.... Not $50 all at once. Isn't that bad.

By the way a "Lifetime" license is lifetime upgrades and support. That was done away with a long time ago. The "Perpetual" license is lifetime upgrades and 1 years support. That will be removed when they change the licenses.

I really don't see it as that bad.

[Strange_Will]

And unlike vBulletin, your software still works when your licence expires even if you buy the cheap package ;)

On one side, being a college student, I dont' have much money to continously pour into IPB, at the same time, I respect these guys work and it's definately worth it. I got a perpetual licence myself before the change seeing it as a good deal with software that I'll have for a LONG time.

There should be a cheap "upgrades only" package though with no support.

[Dark Phantom]

Since when was $149 + $25 = aprox($180) more then $185?

You cannot compare Perpetual to the new license due to the fact, the Perpetual license allows for upgrades for life, which isn't possible after the IPB 2.2.0 release.

The only thing you could compare it to is the yearly license, and I think $25 every year after the first year is alot better then $85 every year.

Therefore, the total cost after 1 year will have risen to US$199.00 (ie. US$149.00 + US$25 + US$25), and the price will continue to rise after this time by US$25 every 6 months. The new pricing scheme also works out more expensive than vB in the long run.

Your mistakend about the second $25

The new pricing scheme also works out more expensive than vB in the long run.

Its like $20 after the first year, its actually cheaper the first year by like $5 I believe.

I find it a bit sneaky that this new pricing structure has been introduced under the premise that the old pricing structure was too confusing, while the price has actually increased for people who wish to always run the latest version of IPB but yet require no support.

Its called inflation...

To be perfectly honest, more people would buy a license, if you just had a unlimited upgrades package. I don't want support, I just want upgrades. I understand charging $25.00 to go from IPB 2.2 --> IPB 3.0 that I can see, and I would not mind paying for it. Same thing with blog and gallery, but going from 2.2 --> 2.3 and getting charged is kinda cheap move.

This package already exists, and clearly enough people were not buying it to make it worth even selling, thus they changed the license structure.

[riven3d]

You cannot compare Perpetual to the new license due to the fact, the Perpetual license allows for upgrades for life, which isn't possible after the IPB 2.2.0 release.

your confusing people, the Perpetual still carries lifetime upgrades and support is $30/yr for anybody that holds one, they just wont be albe to be bought any longer after 2.2

The only thing you could compare it to is the yearly license, and I think $25 every year after the first year is alot better then $85 every year.

i have to correct you once again its $50 per year


simple everyone its $149 for the first 6 months then $25 for every 6 months after that, if you want to have upgrades after the 6 months runs out you will have to pay the $25 to get 6 months more.


im like just about everyone else, i could care less about the dang support, dont need it. i just want the upgrades, would be nice if we had a package for upgrades only

[Dark Phantom]

your confusing people, the Perpetual still carries lifetime upgrades and support is $30/yr for anybody that holds one, they just wont be albe to be bought any longer after 2.2

Please read what I wrote, I said exactly that

i have to correct you once again its $50 per year

I meant exactly that, while I didn't type it, the rest of my sentence was indeed correct. Its also an OPTIONAL upgrade, so if you don't want to purchase support/upgrades twice a year you don't have too.

im like just about everyone else, i could care less about the dang support, dont need it. i just want the upgrades, would be nice if we had a package for upgrades only

Speak for yourself, if I am going to pay upgrades I want to be able to get support if I need it.

[Defenestration]

Since when was $149 + $25 = aprox($180) more then $185?

If a new update for IPB comes out just over 1 year after the licence was bought you would have to pay two lots of $25, not one which works out at $199 (as I originally said).

You cannot compare Perpetual to the new license due to the fact, the Perpetual license allows for upgrades for life, which isn't possible after the IPB 2.2.0 release.

I know the licences are different and don't see why I can't compare them. The reason I'm comparing them is because people who would normally purchase a Perpetual licence will now have to purchase a Standard licence, which leaves them paying more in the long run, even when they may well not require any support.

Its like $20 after the first year, its actually cheaper the first year by like $5 I believe.

Notice that I put the words "in the long run"

Its called inflation...

So why didn't they say so, instead of saying (and I quote)

For those customers who are comfortable managing the software and need minimal technical support

[whitetigergrowl]

I think someone really needs to clairfy this IMO. I understand it the same way the guy who started this thread does but I'm not sure if thats right or not.

[Munja]

I meant exactly that, while I didn't type it, the rest of my sentence was indeed correct. Its also an OPTIONAL upgrade, so if you don't want to purchase support/upgrades twice a year you don't have too.

But your charged $149 again if you want to upgrade after letting a licence expire

[Luke]

But your charged $149 again if you want to upgrade after letting a licence expire

I'm not entirely sure about that... As far as I know when you have to renew it an invoice is held under your account at the time it expires.. Although I'm not entirely sure if that invoice drops off after a certain length of time.

[bfarber]

Security updates were released reasonably regularly for the 2.1.x versions so on this basis you would pretty much need to have a valid upgrades licence (give or take a month or two between licences).

I'm not in a position to comment on the pricing and licensing.

But it has already been stated that security updates will be released publicly/freely - regardless of your license status.

The "Standard License" should be compared to the Yearly license, not the Perpetual.

[Lincoln Coe]

Buy a prepetual now, like I did :)

[cojo]

Why are people who require no support, but yet wish to run the latest version, being penalised with higher costs than the current pricing structure ?

First I'll say upfront it's up to IPS to decide whatever pricing structure they want. On the other hand though, I agree w/ your post.

I suspect the biggest cost for IPS is customer support. They probably think the majority of folks who are pretty self-reliant will remain that way. What happens if a good percentage of them decide to start requesting a lot of support. They've now screwed up because $25 for six months doesn't pay very much of a tech's time.

I bet the 20-80 rule applies here where 20% (or less) of customers are taking up 80% (or more) of their time. The 80% are probably helping to cover the much higher costs caused by the 20%. This works out okay unless those in the 80% category decide to start moving over to the 20%. In other words, don't intentionally screw customers who need very little to no support because it may backfire.

[Lindy]

But your charged $149 again if you want to upgrade after letting a licence expire

Please don't speculate on things you're not sure of... you happen to be incorrect. :)

First I'll say upfront it's up to IPS to decide whatever pricing structure they want. On the other hand though, I agree w/ your post.

I suspect the biggest cost for IPS is customer support. They probably think the majority of folks who are pretty self-reliant will remain that way. What happens if a good percentage of them decide to start requesting a lot of support. They've now screwed up because $25 for six months doesn't pay very much of a tech's time.

I bet the 20-80 rule applies here where 20% (or less) of customers are taking up 80% (or more) of their time. The 80% are probably helping to cover the much higher costs caused by the 20%. This works out okay unless those in the 80% category decide to start moving over to the 20%. In other words, don't intentionally screw customers who need very little to no support because it may backfire.

The thing to consider is not only support, but development costs as well. Factoring the ever-growing costs of development, $25 is a steal. Many companies are changing their licensing arrangements on the simple basis that recurring use of a product requires recurring income to accommodate the subsequent recurring development. In other words, you're free to use the version of the product you purchased a license to use, forever... you've purchased that right, per the terms of the license. If you would like to use future versions of the software, it's only reasonable to expect to have to purchase the ability to do so. Surely nobody expects other customers to fund their indefinite use of all future versions the software. :)

Just as a note/disclaimer: As has been said many times, lifetime and perpetual licenses are not impacted by the new structure.

Please don't view the license change as a "penalty" to those who don't require support, rather, see it as the ability to have access to all of the quality, cutting-edge releases of IPB that we offer and will continue to offer as a result of your recurring business.

I hope that helps clear up any confusion. :)

[forums.bd]

I say hurry and buy a perpetual license before its gone.
like a lot of other ppl, i don't require any support. but i want to use the latest release.
so the new customers (compared to old lifetime or perpetual license holders) will be paying more for updates.

if you dont' want to pay additional $50/year, just get a perpetual license now.
i agree with first poster.

just a comparison.

IPS(1yr)= $(150+25)=$175 [6 months supports+upgrades, added 25 for next six months]
vb(1yr)=$160=$160 [includes 1 yr support+upgrades]

IPS(2nd yr)=25+25=50/yr
vb(2nd yr)=30/yr

[Cool Surfer]

Interesting postings...

I dont think vb n ipb license pricing can be compared.
IPB is miles ahead of vb in terms of popularity and likeability.

I think the pricing is good if you go for perpetual license.
Now and Forever:)

[michael n]

IPS(1yr)= $(150+25)=$175 [6 months supports+upgrades, added 25 for next six months]

vb(1yr)=$160=$160 [includes 1 yr support+upgrades]

IPS(2nd yr)=25+25=50/yr

vb(2nd yr)=30/yr

When you get a license for IPB, you can use it for the rest of your life.
When you get a license for vB, you can use it for one year and than you have to stop using it or buy a new licence... so you can't really compare.

[Voltemort]

IPB is miles ahead of vb in terms of popularity and likeability.

As far as I know, vB is far more popular than IPB. *runs*

[forums.bd]

When you get a license for IPB, you can use it for the rest of your life.

When you get a license for vB, you can use it for one

year and than you have to stop using it or buy a new licence... so you can't really compare.

> true. i like that. this is sth vb folks should learn from ipb. consumers shouldn't be forced to pay.
> partially true. the vb owned license ($160) is permanent, renewal is optional, use for as long as you want. only the leased license ($85) is yearly and renewal is required if you want to continue use it.

thats' why i wasn't comparing "yearly" licenses of both systems.
so yah, i think my comparison is correct.

[Charles]

Let's not turn this into a vB comparison thread. They are after a different audience than we are so comparisons are not really valid.

I should note that we never said it would be cheaper: just different. All depends on how you renew if it's cheaper or not. We are not forcing you to renew at the end of six months if you have no need for support or an upgrade.

We are also working on many license benefits beyond the software itself. We will have information on that later this year.

[N.U.]

OK I think everyone has totally missing the point here. IPB does cost more in the long run if you are starting with the new pricing. If you have a license right now, changes are you either pay $69 or the $185. Either way your account will be upgraded for free, you wont have to pay the $149.

So lets say you have one license right now, you pay $69 for it. The new pricing rolls in. Your account is upgrade, it last for the full term you bought it for. So lets say you bought it one day before the new prices took effect. You get it for one year support and upgrades. When time comes for you to renew you only have to pay $25. This gives you 6 months of upgrades and support.

If you choose not to renew you don't have to. Then lets say 6 months down the road a new upgrade comes out you want. You can renew the license for $25 for 6 months.

In fact this new pricing works better for those who already have a license because you will be saving about $10 a month and you wont be force to renew it where before you had to renew it once a year. You could almost just do $25 a year where you'll be saving loads of money.

Those who buy after the prices change will have to pay a bit more up front. But if you think of the yearly and you do that for 5 years 5 years X $70 = about $350. Bow look at the new set up. You pay $149, save time, 5 years. Lets say you only renew 3 times in those 5 years, each time only costing you $25. You only pay out $224. It could be lot less too. Because even if you choose not to renew, you can still do so later for the same price. Your not force to do so, so in fact this works out much better. Grant you are paying $149 for 6 months, but the saving in the long run makes it worth it.

If I am wrong on any of these points please correct me, because this is the way it came across to me on how the new pricing works. So you see, there is no need for a Upgrade only plan. As it is all of the upgrades are release to everyone, only the major ones like 2.2, 3.0, etc you have to have a license or renew one you already have.

[Terry - AKA Dumbledore]

Let's not turn this into a vB comparison thread. They are after a different audience than we are so comparisons are not really valid.

I should note that we never said it would be cheaper: just different. All depends on how you renew if it's cheaper or not. We are not forcing you to renew at the end of six months if you have no need for support or an upgrade.

We are also working on many license benefits beyond the software itself. We will have information on that later this year.

One point of clarification Charles. You own a yearly(Standard) License and your 6 months are over and you don't do the 6 month renewal. Say in 10 months there is major upgrade, can you then pay the $25 renewal fee and receive the upgrade or will you have to pay full price. That would be a very good selling point if it is what I think I have heard.