Adobe Creative Cloud

Much has been said about Adobe moving its business to the Cloud...with complaints on every side including folks in sales.  I'm not one to complain, but I wanted to make sure this post covered, why the Cloud, and what you can do to take advantage of it.

So why Creative Cloud for teams?  One of the biggest plagues that businesses go through is refreshing their software.  With Adobe refreshing every year, most folks were content to update their software every 3-4 years instead of being on top of new features...not that businesses were lazy...Adobe's setup just made it expensive.  Now, with the Cloud model where you pay monthly (through adobe) or yearly (at a large discount from people like me), you can be up to date with the newest Adobe software.  The Creative Cloud for teams model actually works to your advantage in that:

1. You have the most up to date software.


2. Your team can collaborate & share files through the Adobe site


3. The publishing services included help publish webistes and digital apps


4. The creative cloud files folder online (100gb per user) allows you access from anywhere.


5. Easily track usage and transfer seats while getting the Expert support from Adobe.

Right now there's a special deal to get you and your company into the Adobe Creative Cloud.  Normally $70 a month ($840/year), until August 31 you can pick up a year subscription for $479.  Not bad right?  You can see more details here.   Let me know if you have questions!

Upgrading Adobe software just became a major PAIN...

I don't believe in beating around the bush on this...because as a former IT person it bugs the heck out of me.

If you haven't heard by now, as of the release of CS6, Adobe is changing how you can upgrade to it.  If you do not have CS5.0 or CS5.5, you cannot upgrade to 6.  Yup...that means it's only for 1 version back!  For many of you, I know you're not on 5 or 5.5...and that's going to present a cost saving issue for when you have to upgrade.
So, if you've been considering an upgrade...now is the time to do so before the end of 2011.  If you upgrade to 5.5 and do Adobe's maintenance contract, you'll be covered for the release of CS6, and CS7.  (Since they're now releasing new versions yearly.)  Don't believe me?  Check out Adobe's blog page that talks about it.  They're serious.

I would suggest giving your rep here at PC Mall a call right now and talking about this upgrade.  With the special 20% off discount on Adobe upgrades right now through the end of 2011, it's a good time to get square and upgraded before you're going to have to pay TWICE that amount to get current.

Food for thought...mmm I'm thinking pie. :)