Autodesk - Revision history

Tempo123: Archive references

2026-03-22T12:29:38Z

Archive references

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:29, 22 March 2026
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	Autodesk transitioned their go-to-market model from perpetual licenses to subscriptions and multi-year contracts billed annually<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2025-05-06 \|title=Autodesk Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement \|url=https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Autodesk Investor Relations \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250705192736/https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|archive-date=5 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- Cited Autodesk's annual proxy statement from their investor relations website. A "archived" copy should be available at sec.gov, but I'm struggling to find it since the search feature there is awful. A copy is almost certainly held on the Nasdaq website as well. -->. As noted in their annual proxy statement: <blockquote>Our go-to-market (GTM) model has evolved significantly and purposefully over the years, from the transition to subscription and multi-year contracts billed annually, through self-service enablement, the adoption of direct billing, and more. In fiscal 2025, we completed the launch of our direct billing model (“the new transaction model”) and are now beginning the optimization phase, positioning Autodesk to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and channel partners. This comes from faster and less complex processes and more digital self-service and automation that enable tighter channel partnerships and less duplication of effort. The new transaction model will further unlock long-term value by strengthening our sales and marketing efficiency.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>		Autodesk transitioned their go-to-market model from perpetual licenses to subscriptions and multi-year contracts billed annually<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2025-05-06 \|title=Autodesk Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement \|url=https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Autodesk Investor Relations \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250705192736/https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|archive-date=5 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- Cited Autodesk's annual proxy statement from their investor relations website. A "archived" copy should be available at sec.gov, but I'm struggling to find it since the search feature there is awful. A copy is almost certainly held on the Nasdaq website as well. -->. As noted in their annual proxy statement: <blockquote>Our go-to-market (GTM) model has evolved significantly and purposefully over the years, from the transition to subscription and multi-year contracts billed annually, through self-service enablement, the adoption of direct billing, and more. In fiscal 2025, we completed the launch of our direct billing model (“the new transaction model”) and are now beginning the optimization phase, positioning Autodesk to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and channel partners. This comes from faster and less complex processes and more digital self-service and automation that enable tighter channel partnerships and less duplication of effort. The new transaction model will further unlock long-term value by strengthening our sales and marketing efficiency.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>
	==='''Market Control'''===		==='''Market Control'''===
	Autodesk is the biggest player in the CAD and BIM software markets.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoCAD market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/autocad-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Revit market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/bim-and-architectural-design-software/autodesk-revit-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Market Overview Of BIM And CAD Software Usage Of European Architects \|url=https://www.usp-research.com/insights/news/market-overview-of-bim-and-cad-software-usage-of-european-architects/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=USP}}</ref> Autodesk has done many things throughout the years to achieve this market dominance (on top of offering products that many professionals consider to be the best the market has to offer), including:		Autodesk is the biggest player in the CAD and BIM software markets.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoCAD market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/autocad-market-share \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715185010/https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/autocad-market-share \|archive-date=15 Jul 2025 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Revit market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/bim-and-architectural-design-software/autodesk-revit-market-share \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624143838/https://6sense.com/tech/bim-and-architectural-design-software/autodesk-revit-market-share \|archive-date=24 Jun 2025 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Market Overview Of BIM And CAD Software Usage Of European Architects \|url=https://www.usp-research.com/insights/news/market-overview-of-bim-and-cad-software-usage-of-european-architects/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322121604/https://www.usp-research.com/insights/news/market-overview-of-bim-and-cad-software-usage-of-european-architects/ \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=USP}}</ref> Autodesk has done many things throughout the years to achieve this market dominance (on top of offering products that many professionals consider to be the best the market has to offer), including:

	*Offering licenses to their products free of charge to students and educators. This creates a self perpetuating cycle where people join the labor market already proficient in the tools Autodesk offers which makes companies more likely to adopt those tools so that they are able to hire the best talent, and they'll also be able to replace employees with someone else trained on that same tool more easily. This in turn pushes the education system to keep on training students on these tools since they're in high demand and in turn it will give them their best chance when looking for jobs.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk Student and Educator Resources \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/in/education/home \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Autodesk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=The 14th Network Effect: Expertise \|url=https://www.nfx.com/post/14th-network-effect-expertise \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Nfx}}</ref>		*Offering licenses to their products free of charge to students and educators. This creates a self perpetuating cycle where people join the labor market already proficient in the tools Autodesk offers which makes companies more likely to adopt those tools so that they are able to hire the best talent, and they'll also be able to replace employees with someone else trained on that same tool more easily. This in turn pushes the education system to keep on training students on these tools since they're in high demand and in turn it will give them their best chance when looking for jobs.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk Student and Educator Resources \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/in/education/home \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322121611/https://www.autodesk.com/in/education/home \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Autodesk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=The 14th Network Effect: Expertise \|url=https://www.nfx.com/post/14th-network-effect-expertise \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322121621/https://www.nfx.com/post/14th-network-effect-expertise \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Nfx}}</ref>
	*Acquisitions. Since its inception Autodesk has made over 50 acquisitions<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Acquisitions by Autodesk \|url=https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-autodesk/__Kxu4Vt6UZ7eVfgRkhMvgWtudb5ZVezJ52v763sVyeK4 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Tracxn}}</ref> with some sources claiming over 80.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk \|url=https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/autodesk \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=crunchbase}}</ref> As of 2026 they offer over 100 products.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web \|title=The Ultimate Autodesk Software List: All 112 Products Explained \|url=https://quadrasol.co.uk/blog/autodesk-software-collection/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Quadra Solutions}}</ref>		*Acquisitions. Since its inception Autodesk has made over 50 acquisitions<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Acquisitions by Autodesk \|url=https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-autodesk/__Kxu4Vt6UZ7eVfgRkhMvgWtudb5ZVezJ52v763sVyeK4 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0322-2124-54/https://tracxn.com:443/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-autodesk/__Kxu4Vt6UZ7eVfgRkhMvgWtudb5ZVezJ52v763sVyeK4 \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Tracxn}}</ref> with some sources claiming over 80.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk \|url=https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/autodesk \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817045424/https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/autodesk \|archive-date=17 Aug 2021 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=crunchbase}}</ref> As of 2026 they offer over 100 products.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web \|title=The Ultimate Autodesk Software List: All 112 Products Explained \|url=https://quadrasol.co.uk/blog/autodesk-software-collection/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0322-2128-13/https://quadrasol.co.uk:443/blog/autodesk-software-collection/ \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Quadra Solutions}}</ref>

	Their market dominance allows them continuously raise the prices of the subscriptions for their products.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk continues to enshittify Fusion 360 with a 27% price increase \|url=https://www.ondsel.com/blog/autodesk-enshittifies-fusion-360/ \|access-date=20 Feb 2026 \|website=Ondsel}}</ref>		Their market dominance allows them continuously raise the prices of the subscriptions for their products.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk continues to enshittify Fusion 360 with a 27% price increase \|url=https://www.ondsel.com/blog/autodesk-enshittifies-fusion-360/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322122128/https://www.ondsel.com/blog/autodesk-enshittifies-fusion-360/ \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=20 Feb 2026 \|website=Ondsel}}</ref>

	==Controversies==		==Controversies==

Andrew V: /* References */

2026-03-10T03:58:49Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:58, 10 March 2026
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	[[wikipedia:Autodesk\|'''Autodesk, Inc.''']] is an American software company headquartered in San Francisco, California, that provides software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, who was a co-author of the first versions of AutoCAD.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Williams \|first=Alex \|date=6 Mar 2024 \|title=John Walker, Tech Executive Who Popularized AutoCAD, Dies at 74 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174807/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=The New York Times}}</ref>		[[wikipedia:Autodesk\|'''Autodesk, Inc.''']] is an American software company headquartered in San Francisco, California, that provides software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, who was a co-author of the first versions of AutoCAD.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Williams \|first=Alex \|date=6 Mar 2024 \|title=John Walker, Tech Executive Who Popularized AutoCAD, Dies at 74 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174807/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=The New York Times}}</ref>

	Autodesk primarily develops and maintains computer-aided design (CAD) software used globally across many engineering and design industries. Autodesk's extensive portfolio of proprietary software enables its programs to interoperate, facilitating cloud-based building information management (BIM) collaboration among owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro: Create, collaborate, and stay up to date \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130014051/https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>		Autodesk primarily develops and maintains computer-aided design (CAD) software used globally across many engineering and design industries. Autodesk's extensive portfolio of proprietary software enables its programs to interoperate, facilitating cloud-based building information management (BIM) collaboration among owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro: Create, collaborate, and stay up to date \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130014051/https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>

	Modern versions of Autodesk Products, such as Inventor or AutoCAD, have been known to operate via [[Digital rights management#Always-online DRM\|always-online DRM]]<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Install network licensing software \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/download-install/admins/network-deploy/install-licensing-software \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130014417/https://www.autodesk.com/support/download-install/admins/network-deploy/install-licensing-software \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> and have served to provide significant inconvenience for consumers if their internet goes out or their license verification servers are offline for maintenance.		Modern versions of Autodesk Products, such as Inventor or AutoCAD, have been known to operate via [[Digital rights management#Always-online DRM\|always-online DRM]]<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Install network licensing software \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/download-install/admins/network-deploy/install-licensing-software \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130014417/https://www.autodesk.com/support/download-install/admins/network-deploy/install-licensing-software \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> and have served to provide significant inconvenience for consumers if their internet goes out or their license verification servers are offline for maintenance.

	==Consumer impact summary==		==Consumer impact summary==

	==='''User Freedom'''===		==='''User Freedom'''===
	Autodesk ceased to sell perpetual licenses for HSMWorks (2016) and will eliminate access altogether (2025–2028), rendering locally stored information unusable<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=@lenny_1962 \|date=3 Feb 2025 \|title=HSMWorks End Of Life March 25th, 2028 \|url=https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174804/https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>; future Fusion versions will lack support for Windows 10, with unclear implications for existing installations<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|date=~~4 Dec 2024~~ \|title=Fusion Announcing End of Support for Windows 10 \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130015007/https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>; refused to honor permanent licenses of Product Design Suite 2013'''<ref name=":3" />'''; is able to detect if pirated versions of their software are installed alongside the official one<ref name=":5">{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804044043/https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>; sued Timothy Vernor for copyright infringement for selling his physical copy of Autodesk.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web \|title=Timothy Vernor v. Autodesk Inc \|url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/circuit-courts/ca9/09-35969 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210923200001/https://dockets.justia.com/docket/circuit-courts/ca9/09-35969 \|archive-date=23 Sep 2021 \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Justia}}</ref>		Autodesk ceased to sell perpetual licenses for HSMWorks (2016) and will eliminate access altogether (2025–2028), rendering locally stored information unusable<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=@lenny_1962 \|date=3 Feb 2025 \|title=HSMWorks End Of Life March 25th, 2028 \|url=https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174804/https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>; future Fusion versions will lack support for Windows 10, with unclear implications for existing installations<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|date=2025-08-05 \|title=Fusion Announcing End of Support for Windows 10 \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130015007/https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>; refused to honor permanent licenses of Product Design Suite 2013'''<ref name=":3" />'''; is able to detect if pirated versions of their software are installed alongside the official one<ref name=":5">{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804044043/https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>; sued Timothy Vernor for copyright infringement for selling his physical copy of Autodesk.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web \|title=Timothy Vernor v. Autodesk Inc \|url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/circuit-courts/ca9/09-35969 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210923200001/https://dockets.justia.com/docket/circuit-courts/ca9/09-35969 \|archive-date=23 Sep 2021 \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Justia}}</ref>

	In the End User License Agreement (EULA) for Autodesk products, section 9.7 allows Autodesk to audit a users premises to verify compliance. If the user or company is found to have overextended licenses, Autodesk requires the user to purchase additional licenses to cover the overextended licenses in question.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoDesk License and Services agreement \|url=https://download.autodesk.com/us/FY17/Suites/LSA/en-us/lsa.html \|access-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> However, the software does not limit the number of machines that can sign in and activate it simultaneously{{Citation needed}}. Autodesk compliance agents threatened to increase fines if legal counsel is hired against Autodesk.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Vondran \|first=Steve \|date=2023-04-12 \|title=Autodesk Internal Getting Very Aggressive in 2023 Beware of Over-Assigning Licenses \|url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730215441/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|archive-date=2025-07-30 \|access-date=2025-10-23}}</ref>		In the End User License Agreement (EULA) for Autodesk products, section 9.7 allows Autodesk to audit a users premises to verify compliance. If the user or company is found to have overextended licenses, Autodesk requires the user to purchase additional licenses to cover the overextended licenses in question.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoDesk License and Services agreement \|url=https://download.autodesk.com/us/FY17/Suites/LSA/en-us/lsa.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/iIM3C \|archive-date=2026-03-09 \|access-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> However, the software does not limit the number of machines that can sign in and activate it simultaneously{{Citation needed}}. Autodesk compliance agents threatened to increase fines if legal counsel is hired against Autodesk.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Vondran \|first=Steve \|date=2023-04-12 \|title=Autodesk Internal Getting Very Aggressive in 2023 Beware of Over-Assigning Licenses \|url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730215441/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|archive-date=2025-07-30 \|access-date=2025-10-23}}</ref>

	==='''Business Model'''===		==='''Business Model'''===

Andrew V: /* References */

2026-03-10T03:53:22Z

References

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	\| Description = Software company known for various products such as AutoCAD. Modern versions operate via Always-online DRM. Has ended users' lifetime subscriptions.		\| Description = Software company known for various products such as AutoCAD. Modern versions operate via Always-online DRM. Has ended users' lifetime subscriptions.
	}}		}}
	[[wikipedia:Autodesk\|'''Autodesk, Inc.''']] is an American software company headquartered in San Francisco, California, that provides software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, who was a co-author of the first versions of AutoCAD.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Williams \|first=Alex \|date=6 Mar 2024 \|title=John Walker, Tech Executive Who Popularized AutoCAD, Dies at 74 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174807/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=The New York Times}}</ref>		[[wikipedia:Autodesk\|'''Autodesk, Inc.''']] is an American software company headquartered in San Francisco, California, that provides software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, who was a co-author of the first versions of AutoCAD.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Williams \|first=Alex \|date=6 Mar 2024 \|title=John Walker, Tech Executive Who Popularized AutoCAD, Dies at 74 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174807/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=The New York Times}}</ref>

	Autodesk primarily develops and maintains computer-aided design (CAD) software used globally across many engineering and design industries. Autodesk's extensive portfolio of proprietary software enables its programs to interoperate, facilitating cloud-based building information management (BIM) collaboration among owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro: Create, collaborate, and stay up to date \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130014051/https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>		Autodesk primarily develops and maintains computer-aided design (CAD) software used globally across many engineering and design industries. Autodesk's extensive portfolio of proprietary software enables its programs to interoperate, facilitating cloud-based building information management (BIM) collaboration among owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro: Create, collaborate, and stay up to date \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130014051/https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>

2A05:9CC2:3E:19E0:7597:A45A:AF8A:2F2E: /* Controversies */ added XSI acquisition, and mudbox acquisition.

2026-03-02T22:00:29Z

Controversies: added XSI acquisition, and mudbox acquisition.

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	Because HSMWorks was subscription-only, or entitlement was only available through a Fusion 360 subscription, from 2016 onward, any person or organization that used up-to-date versions of HSMWorks since then will cease to have access to all data associated with HSMWorks, despite the data being locally stored and HSMWorks being installed (although unusable). HSMWorks data is not compatible with Fusion 360 nor Inventor CAM (products that share some technology with HSMWorks), thus, no solution exists to bridge users' data to actively supported software.		Because HSMWorks was subscription-only, or entitlement was only available through a Fusion 360 subscription, from 2016 onward, any person or organization that used up-to-date versions of HSMWorks since then will cease to have access to all data associated with HSMWorks, despite the data being locally stored and HSMWorks being installed (although unusable). HSMWorks data is not compatible with Fusion 360 nor Inventor CAM (products that share some technology with HSMWorks), thus, no solution exists to bridge users' data to actively supported software.

			'''Softimage XSI acquisition.'''

			in 2009 autodesk acquired Softimage XSI, with the sole purpose of eliminating competition. the software was discontinued. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autodesk_Softimage]

			many game studios were forced to switch to other software, due to XSI no longer being updated.

			'''Mudbox acquisition'''

			In 2007, Mudbox was bought by autodesk. the software has had multiple new version releases, but no updates. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autodesk_Mudbox]

	==='''Ian Davis ended lifetime subscriptions'''===		==='''Ian Davis ended lifetime subscriptions'''===

MrAlex!: Fixed formatting and a bunch of inconsistencies

2026-03-01T18:32:56Z

Fixed formatting and a bunch of inconsistencies

Show changes

MrAlex!: Reworked products section

2026-02-27T18:00:04Z

Reworked products section

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:00, 27 February 2026
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	Autodesk is the biggest player in the CAD and BIM software markets.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoCAD market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/autocad-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Revit market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/bim-and-architectural-design-software/autodesk-revit-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Market Overview Of BIM And CAD Software Usage Of European Architects \|url=https://www.usp-research.com/insights/news/market-overview-of-bim-and-cad-software-usage-of-european-architects/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=USP}}</ref> Autodesk has done many things throughout the years to achieve this market dominance (on top of offering products that many professionals consider to be the best the market has to offer):		Autodesk is the biggest player in the CAD and BIM software markets.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoCAD market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/autocad-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Revit market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/bim-and-architectural-design-software/autodesk-revit-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Market Overview Of BIM And CAD Software Usage Of European Architects \|url=https://www.usp-research.com/insights/news/market-overview-of-bim-and-cad-software-usage-of-european-architects/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=USP}}</ref> Autodesk has done many things throughout the years to achieve this market dominance (on top of offering products that many professionals consider to be the best the market has to offer):

	* Offering licenses to their products free of charge to students and educators. This creates a self perpetuating cycle where people join the labor market already proficient in the tools Autodesk offers which makes companies more likely to adopt those tools so that they are able to hire the best talent, and they'll also be able to replace employees with someone else trained on that same tool more easily. This in turn pushes the education system to keep on training students on these tools so that they'll have their best chance when looking for jobs.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk Student and Educator Resources \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/in/education/home \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Autodesk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=The 14th Network Effect: Expertise \|url=https://www.nfx.com/post/14th-network-effect-expertise \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Nfx}}</ref>		*Offering licenses to their products free of charge to students and educators. This creates a self perpetuating cycle where people join the labor market already proficient in the tools Autodesk offers which makes companies more likely to adopt those tools so that they are able to hire the best talent, and they'll also be able to replace employees with someone else trained on that same tool more easily. This in turn pushes the education system to keep on training students on these tools so that they'll have their best chance when looking for jobs.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk Student and Educator Resources \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/in/education/home \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Autodesk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=The 14th Network Effect: Expertise \|url=https://www.nfx.com/post/14th-network-effect-expertise \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Nfx}}</ref>
	* Acquisitions. Since its inception Autodesk has made over 50 acquisitions<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Acquisitions by Autodesk \|url=https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-autodesk/__Kxu4Vt6UZ7eVfgRkhMvgWtudb5ZVezJ52v763sVyeK4 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Tracxn}}</ref> with some sources claiming over 80.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk \|url=https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/autodesk \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=crunchbase}}</ref> As of 2026 they offer over 100 products.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Ultimate Autodesk Software List: All 112 Products Explained \|url=https://quadrasol.co.uk/blog/autodesk-software-collection/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Quadra Solutions}}</ref>		*Acquisitions. Since its inception Autodesk has made over 50 acquisitions<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Acquisitions by Autodesk \|url=https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-autodesk/__Kxu4Vt6UZ7eVfgRkhMvgWtudb5ZVezJ52v763sVyeK4 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Tracxn}}</ref> with some sources claiming over 80.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk \|url=https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/autodesk \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=crunchbase}}</ref> As of 2026 they offer over 100 products.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web \|title=The Ultimate Autodesk Software List: All 112 Products Explained \|url=https://quadrasol.co.uk/blog/autodesk-software-collection/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Quadra Solutions}}</ref>

	Their market dominance allows them continuously raise the prices of the subscriptions of their products.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk continues to enshittify Fusion 360 with a 27% price increase \|url=https://www.ondsel.com/blog/autodesk-enshittifies-fusion-360/ \|access-date=20 Feb 2026 \|website=Ondsel}}</ref>		Their market dominance allows them continuously raise the prices of the subscriptions of their products.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk continues to enshittify Fusion 360 with a 27% price increase \|url=https://www.ondsel.com/blog/autodesk-enshittifies-fusion-360/ \|access-date=20 Feb 2026 \|website=Ondsel}}</ref>
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	==Products<!-- I personally remember taking a class that used Inventor, and the spotty internet connection some computers in the industrial building would have on occasion would make it HELL for me to do classes since if the internet went out and I did not save before then, I had to start from scratch! LITERALLY forced me to drop my class halfway through because of this, and I did not get my money back for it! - JamesTDG -->==		==Products<!-- I personally remember taking a class that used Inventor, and the spotty internet connection some computers in the industrial building would have on occasion would make it HELL for me to do classes since if the internet went out and I did not save before then, I had to start from scratch! LITERALLY forced me to drop my class halfway through because of this, and I did not get my money back for it! - JamesTDG -->==
	*AutoCAD ~~- Autodesk's flagship~~ CAD software, ~~used for free-form 2D~~ and ~~3D design~~		As of 2026 Autodesk offers over 100 different products,<ref name=":4" /> some of the most notable ones are:
	*Revit - 3D ~~design~~ software ~~that is primarily used by architects, engineers, and structural designers to design, draft~~, and ~~model~~ buildings and ~~other~~ structures		*Autodesk AutoCAD: 2D and 3D CAD software for drafting, design and modelling.
	*Autodesk Inventor - 3D ~~digital modeling~~		*Autodesk Revit: 3D BIM software for drafting, designing and modelling buildings and structures.
	*Autodesk Fusion - 3D ~~digital modeling~~		*Autodesk Inventor - 3D CAD software for mechanical design.
	*Civil 3D - 3D design ~~focused on civil infrastructure~~		*Autodesk Fusion - 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software for product design and manufacturing workflows.
	*3ds Max - 3D ~~Animation~~		*Autodesk 3ds Max - 3D modelling, animation and rendering software.
	*Maya - 3D Animation
	*Mudbox - 3D digital painting and ~~sculpting~~

	==References==		==References==
	<references />		<references />
	[[Category:Autodesk]]		[[Category:Autodesk]]

MrAlex!: Reworked "market control" section

2026-02-26T19:26:56Z

Reworked "market control" section

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:26, 26 February 2026
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	Autodesk transitioned their go-to-market model from perpetual licenses to subscriptions and multi-year contracts billed annually<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2025-05-06 \|title=Autodesk Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement \|url=https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Autodesk Investor Relations \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250705192736/https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|archive-date=5 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- Cited Autodesk's annual proxy statement from their investor relations website. A "archived" copy should be available at sec.gov, but I'm struggling to find it since the search feature there is awful. A copy is almost certainly held on the Nasdaq website as well. -->. As noted in their annual proxy statement: <blockquote>Our go-to-market (GTM) model has evolved significantly and purposefully over the years, from the transition to subscription and multi-year contracts billed annually, through self-service enablement, the adoption of direct billing, and more. In fiscal 2025, we completed the launch of our direct billing model (“the new transaction model”) and are now beginning the optimization phase, positioning Autodesk to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and channel partners. This comes from faster and less complex processes and more digital self-service and automation that enable tighter channel partnerships and less duplication of effort. The new transaction model will further unlock long-term value by strengthening our sales and marketing efficiency.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>		Autodesk transitioned their go-to-market model from perpetual licenses to subscriptions and multi-year contracts billed annually<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2025-05-06 \|title=Autodesk Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement \|url=https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Autodesk Investor Relations \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250705192736/https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|archive-date=5 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- Cited Autodesk's annual proxy statement from their investor relations website. A "archived" copy should be available at sec.gov, but I'm struggling to find it since the search feature there is awful. A copy is almost certainly held on the Nasdaq website as well. -->. As noted in their annual proxy statement: <blockquote>Our go-to-market (GTM) model has evolved significantly and purposefully over the years, from the transition to subscription and multi-year contracts billed annually, through self-service enablement, the adoption of direct billing, and more. In fiscal 2025, we completed the launch of our direct billing model (“the new transaction model”) and are now beginning the optimization phase, positioning Autodesk to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and channel partners. This comes from faster and less complex processes and more digital self-service and automation that enable tighter channel partnerships and less duplication of effort. The new transaction model will further unlock long-term value by strengthening our sales and marketing efficiency.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>
	==='''Market Control'''===		==='''Market Control'''===
	Autodesk ~~holds a majority of~~ the market share on CAD software, ~~especially~~ in the ~~BIM category~~{{~~Citation needed~~}}. ~~This~~ allows Autodesk to ~~significantly raise its prices each year~~.		Autodesk is the biggest player in the CAD and BIM software markets.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoCAD market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/autocad-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Revit market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/bim-and-architectural-design-software/autodesk-revit-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Market Overview Of BIM And CAD Software Usage Of European Architects \|url=https://www.usp-research.com/insights/news/market-overview-of-bim-and-cad-software-usage-of-european-architects/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=USP}}</ref> Autodesk has done many things throughout the years to achieve this market dominance (on top of offering products that many professionals consider to be the best the market has to offer):

			* Offering licenses to their products free of charge to students and educators. This creates a self perpetuating cycle where people join the labor market already proficient in the tools Autodesk offers which makes companies more likely to adopt those tools so that they are able to hire the best talent, and they'll also be able to replace employees with someone else trained on that same tool more easily. This in turn pushes the education system to keep on training students on these tools so that they'll have their best chance when looking for jobs.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk Student and Educator Resources \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/in/education/home \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Autodesk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=The 14th Network Effect: Expertise \|url=https://www.nfx.com/post/14th-network-effect-expertise \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Nfx}}</ref>
			* Acquisitions. Since its inception Autodesk has made over 50 acquisitions<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Acquisitions by Autodesk \|url=https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-autodesk/__Kxu4Vt6UZ7eVfgRkhMvgWtudb5ZVezJ52v763sVyeK4 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Tracxn}}</ref> with some sources claiming over 80.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk \|url=https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/autodesk \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=crunchbase}}</ref> As of 2026 they offer over 100 products.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Ultimate Autodesk Software List: All 112 Products Explained \|url=https://quadrasol.co.uk/blog/autodesk-software-collection/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Quadra Solutions}}</ref>

			Their market dominance allows them continuously raise the prices of the subscriptions of their products.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk continues to enshittify Fusion 360 with a 27% price increase \|url=https://www.ondsel.com/blog/autodesk-enshittifies-fusion-360/ \|access-date=20 Feb 2026 \|website=Ondsel}}</ref>

	===Vernor v. Autodesk, Inc.===		===Vernor v. Autodesk, Inc.===

MrAlex!: In previous edit: added sources, rearranged consumer impact summary

2026-02-24T19:51:57Z

In previous edit: added sources, rearranged consumer impact summary

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:51, 24 February 2026
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	Autodesk refused to honor permanent licenses (e.g., Product Design Suite 2013).'''<ref name=":3" />'''		Autodesk refused to honor permanent licenses (e.g., Product Design Suite 2013).'''<ref name=":3" />'''

	In the End User License Agreement (EULA) for Autodesk products, section 9.7 allows Autodesk to audit a users premises to verify compliance. If the user or company is found to have overextended licenses, Autodesk requires the user to purchase additional licenses to cover the overextended licenses in question.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoDesk License and Services agreement \|url=https://download.autodesk.com/us/FY17/Suites/LSA/en-us/lsa.html \|access-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> However, the software does not limit the number of machines that can sign in and activate it simultaneously{{Citation needed}}. Autodesk compliance agents threatened to increase fines if legal counsel is hired against Autodesk. <ref>{{Cite web \|last=Vondran \|first=Steve \|date=2023-04-12 \|title=Autodesk Internal Getting Very Aggressive in 2023 Beware of Over-Assigning Licenses \|url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730215441/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|archive-date=2025-07-30 \|access-date=2025-10-23}}</ref>		In the End User License Agreement (EULA) for Autodesk products, section 9.7 allows Autodesk to audit a users premises to verify compliance. If the user or company is found to have overextended licenses, Autodesk requires the user to purchase additional licenses to cover the overextended licenses in question.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoDesk License and Services agreement \|url=https://download.autodesk.com/us/FY17/Suites/LSA/en-us/lsa.html \|access-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> However, the software does not limit the number of machines that can sign in and activate it simultaneously{{Citation needed}}. Autodesk compliance agents threatened to increase fines if legal counsel is hired against Autodesk.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Vondran \|first=Steve \|date=2023-04-12 \|title=Autodesk Internal Getting Very Aggressive in 2023 Beware of Over-Assigning Licenses \|url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730215441/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|archive-date=2025-07-30 \|access-date=2025-10-23}}</ref>

	==='''Business Model'''===		==='''Business Model'''===

MrAlex! at 19:46, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T19:46:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:46, 24 February 2026
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	==='''User Freedom'''===		==='''User Freedom'''===
	Autodesk ceased to sell perpetual licenses for HSMWorks (2016) and will eliminate access altogether (2025–2028), rendering locally stored information unusable~~{{Citation needed}}~~.		Autodesk ceased to sell perpetual licenses for HSMWorks (2016) and will eliminate access altogether (2025–2028), rendering locally stored information unusable.<ref name=":1" />

	Future Fusion versions will lack support for Windows 10, with unclear implications for existing installations~~{{Citation needed}}~~.		Future Fusion versions will lack support for Windows 10, with unclear implications for existing installations.<ref name=":2" />

	~~==='''Business Model'''===~~		Autodesk refused to honor permanent licenses (e.g., Product Design Suite 2013).'''<ref name=":3" />'''
	Autodesk ~~transitioned their go-~~to~~-market model from perpetual~~ licenses ~~to subscriptions and multi-year contracts billed annually<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2025-05-06 \|title=Autodesk Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement \|url=https://investors~~.~~autodesk~~.~~com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Autodesk Investor Relations \|archive-url=http://web~~.~~archive.org/web/20250705192736/https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|archive-date=5 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- Cited Autodesk~~'~~s annual proxy statement from their investor relations website. A "archived" copy should be available at sec.gov, but I~~'m struggling to find it since the search feature there is awful. A copy is almost certainly held on the Nasdaq website as well. -->. As noted in their annual proxy statement: <blockquote>Our go-to-market (GTM) model has evolved significantly and purposefully over the years, from the transition to subscription and multi-year contracts billed annually, through self-service enablement, the adoption of direct billing, and more. In fiscal 2025, we completed the launch of our direct billing model (“the new transaction model”) and are now beginning the optimization phase, positioning Autodesk to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and channel partners. This comes from faster and less complex processes and more digital self-service and automation that enable tighter channel partnerships and less duplication of effort. The new transaction model will further unlock long-term value by strengthening our sales and marketing efficiency.<ref name=":0" />~~</blockquote>Removal of legacy entitlements (e.g., HSMWorks from Fusion 360), in addition to the refusal to honor permanent licenses (e.g., Product Design Suite 2013){{Citation needed}}.~~

	In the End User License Agreement (EULA) for Autodesk products, section 9.7 allows Autodesk to audit a users premises to verify compliance~~{{Citation needed}}~~. If the user or company is found to have overextended licenses, Autodesk requires the user to purchase additional licenses to cover the overextended licenses in question. However, the software does not limit the number of machines that can sign in and activate it simultaneously{{Citation needed}}. Autodesk compliance agents threatened to increase fines if legal counsel is hired against Autodesk. <ref>{{Cite web \|last=Vondran \|first=Steve \|date=2023-04-12 \|title=Autodesk Internal Getting Very Aggressive in 2023 Beware of Over-Assigning Licenses \|url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730215441/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|archive-date=2025-07-30 \|access-date=2025-10-23}}</ref>		In the End User License Agreement (EULA) for Autodesk products, section 9.7 allows Autodesk to audit a users premises to verify compliance. If the user or company is found to have overextended licenses, Autodesk requires the user to purchase additional licenses to cover the overextended licenses in question.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoDesk License and Services agreement \|url=https://download.autodesk.com/us/FY17/Suites/LSA/en-us/lsa.html \|access-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> However, the software does not limit the number of machines that can sign in and activate it simultaneously{{Citation needed}}. Autodesk compliance agents threatened to increase fines if legal counsel is hired against Autodesk. <ref>{{Cite web \|last=Vondran \|first=Steve \|date=2023-04-12 \|title=Autodesk Internal Getting Very Aggressive in 2023 Beware of Over-Assigning Licenses \|url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730215441/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ \|archive-date=2025-07-30 \|access-date=2025-10-23}}</ref>

			==='''Business Model'''===
			Autodesk transitioned their go-to-market model from perpetual licenses to subscriptions and multi-year contracts billed annually<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2025-05-06 \|title=Autodesk Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement \|url=https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Autodesk Investor Relations \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250705192736/https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|archive-date=5 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- Cited Autodesk's annual proxy statement from their investor relations website. A "archived" copy should be available at sec.gov, but I'm struggling to find it since the search feature there is awful. A copy is almost certainly held on the Nasdaq website as well. -->. As noted in their annual proxy statement: <blockquote>Our go-to-market (GTM) model has evolved significantly and purposefully over the years, from the transition to subscription and multi-year contracts billed annually, through self-service enablement, the adoption of direct billing, and more. In fiscal 2025, we completed the launch of our direct billing model (“the new transaction model”) and are now beginning the optimization phase, positioning Autodesk to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and channel partners. This comes from faster and less complex processes and more digital self-service and automation that enable tighter channel partnerships and less duplication of effort. The new transaction model will further unlock long-term value by strengthening our sales and marketing efficiency.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>
	==='''Market Control'''===		==='''Market Control'''===
	Autodesk holds a majority of the market share on CAD software, especially in the BIM category{{Citation needed}}. This allows Autodesk to significantly raise its prices each year.		Autodesk holds a majority of the market share on CAD software, especially in the BIM category{{Citation needed}}. This allows Autodesk to significantly raise its prices each year.
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	==Controversies==		==Controversies==

	=== Telemetry bugs and harmful fines ===		===Telemetry bugs and harmful fines===
	In 2017, consumers reported that Autodesk's telemetry on paid versions of software detected pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly received<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AUTODESK ANALYTICS PROGRAMS \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/company/autodesk-analytics \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210123931/https://www.autodesk.com/company/autodesk-analytics \|archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref> on paid versions of software detecting pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly sent large fines as a punishment.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804044043/https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> This software has also been reported to malfunction, and Autodesk is allegedly pressuring consumers into purchasing expensive versions of their licenses.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses (Reply) \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/comment/lod8lo2/ \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]] \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223030344/https://old.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/lod8lo2/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>		In 2017, consumers reported that Autodesk's telemetry on paid versions of software detected pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly received<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AUTODESK ANALYTICS PROGRAMS \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/company/autodesk-analytics \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210123931/https://www.autodesk.com/company/autodesk-analytics \|archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref> on paid versions of software detecting pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly sent large fines as a punishment.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804044043/https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> This software has also been reported to malfunction, and Autodesk is allegedly pressuring consumers into purchasing expensive versions of their licenses.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses (Reply) \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/comment/lod8lo2/ \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]] \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223030344/https://old.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/lod8lo2/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	=== '''Ian Davis ended lifetime subscriptions''' ===		==='''Ian Davis ended lifetime subscriptions'''===
	'''In 2023, YouTuber Ian Davis owned a permanent, standalone license for Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2013, which failed to renew. Autodesk refused to issue a new license without an additional subscription purchase.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ian \|first=Davis \|date=2023-06-29 \|title=So much for Permanent Standalone licensing... \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4-pp1uKNnM \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|type=video \|publication-place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=U4-pp1uKNnM \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>'''<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Louis \|first=Rossmann \|date=2023-06-30 \|title=Autodesk screws customers by turning lifetime licenses into subscriptions \|url=Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHY9K8X45XA \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|type=video \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=OHY9K8X45XA \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ian \|first=Davis \|date=2023-07-03 \|title=Thoughts on AutoCad License invalidation \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iQP62_X13g \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel \|type=video \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=7iQP62_X13g \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>		'''In 2023, YouTuber Ian Davis owned a permanent, standalone license for Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2013, which failed to renew. Autodesk refused to issue a new license without an additional subscription purchase.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web \|last=Ian \|first=Davis \|date=2023-06-29 \|title=So much for Permanent Standalone licensing... \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4-pp1uKNnM \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|type=video \|publication-place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=U4-pp1uKNnM \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>'''<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Louis \|first=Rossmann \|date=2023-06-30 \|title=Autodesk screws customers by turning lifetime licenses into subscriptions \|url=Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHY9K8X45XA \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|type=video \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=OHY9K8X45XA \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ian \|first=Davis \|date=2023-07-03 \|title=Thoughts on AutoCad License invalidation \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iQP62_X13g \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel \|type=video \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=7iQP62_X13g \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	=== Windows 10 support discontinuation ===		===Windows 10 support discontinuation===
	In 2024, Autodesk announced that Autodesk Fusion would no longer be supported for Windows 10 users after the start of January 2026. Stated in their support article, "Autodesk will no longer consider Windows 10 for Validation, bug fixing, and product support of future releases." The phrasing has rightfully baffled consumers, and with a lack of elaboration from support teams, it is unclear whether existing installations will continue to function, especially since the line "existing installations cannot be repaired or reinstalled" is confusing and leaves questions unanswered.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=4 Dec 2024 \|title=Fusion Announcing End of Support for Windows 10 \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130015007/https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>		In 2024, Autodesk announced that Autodesk Fusion would no longer be supported for Windows 10 users after the start of January 2026. Stated in their support article, "Autodesk will no longer consider Windows 10 for Validation, bug fixing, and product support of future releases." The phrasing has rightfully baffled consumers, and with a lack of elaboration from support teams, it is unclear whether existing installations will continue to function, especially since the line "existing installations cannot be repaired or reinstalled" is confusing and leaves questions unanswered.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|date=4 Dec 2024 \|title=Fusion Announcing End of Support for Windows 10 \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130015007/https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 \|archive-date=30 Jan 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>

	=== HSMWorks end of life ===		===HSMWorks end of life===
	In 2012, Autodesk acquired HSMWorks, a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) product for programming Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, with the intention of integrating the technology into its own software and cloud services.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=1 Oct 2012 \|title=Autodesk Acquires HSMWorks Technology \|url=https://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/autodesk-acquires-hsmworks-technology \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215230602/https://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/autodesk-acquires-hsmworks-technology \|archive-date=15 Feb 2026 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> HSMWorks could continue to be purchased with a perpetual license until 2016, when Autodesk announced that all Autodesk products, including HSMWorks, would transition to a subscription model, ending support and maintenance plans for perpetual licenses.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Johnson Swan \|first=Keli \|date=14 Jun 2021 \|title=Recent Developments in Autodesk Licensing and Audits, Part I \|url=https://scottandscottllp.com/recent-developments-in-autodesk-licensing-and-audits-part-i/#:~:text=Autodesk%20introduced%20subscription%20plans%20in,previous%20versions%20of%20perpetual%20software. \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251118133920/https://scottandscottllp.com/recent-developments-in-autodesk-licensing-and-audits-part-i/ \|archive-date=18 Nov 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=scottandscottllp.com}}</ref> In 2019, Autodesk transitioned HSMWorks subscribers to Fusion 360 subscribers, granting them entitlement to download and use HSMWorks.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=23 Apr 2019 \|title=HSMWorks 2020 now included with Fusion 360 subscriptions \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/tsarticles/ts/4ZktnaH9yvV8DxOnwA0LCv.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116105651/https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/tsarticles/ts/4ZktnaH9yvV8DxOnwA0LCv.html \|archive-date=16 Nov 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> In February 2025, Autodesk sent an email to Fusion 360 subscribers that HSMWorks entitlement would no longer be included on new subscriptions after March 25, 2025. and entitlement would end March 25, 2028, for all subscribers. "''At that point, you will no longer be able to download, access, '''or use''' HSMWorks.''"<ref>{{Cite web \|last=@lenny_1962 \|date=3 Feb 2025 \|title=HSMWorks End Of Life March 25th, 2028 \|url=https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174804/https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>		In 2012, Autodesk acquired HSMWorks, a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) product for programming Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, with the intention of integrating the technology into its own software and cloud services.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=1 Oct 2012 \|title=Autodesk Acquires HSMWorks Technology \|url=https://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/autodesk-acquires-hsmworks-technology \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215230602/https://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/autodesk-acquires-hsmworks-technology \|archive-date=15 Feb 2026 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> HSMWorks could continue to be purchased with a perpetual license until 2016, when Autodesk announced that all Autodesk products, including HSMWorks, would transition to a subscription model, ending support and maintenance plans for perpetual licenses.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Johnson Swan \|first=Keli \|date=14 Jun 2021 \|title=Recent Developments in Autodesk Licensing and Audits, Part I \|url=https://scottandscottllp.com/recent-developments-in-autodesk-licensing-and-audits-part-i/#:~:text=Autodesk%20introduced%20subscription%20plans%20in,previous%20versions%20of%20perpetual%20software. \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251118133920/https://scottandscottllp.com/recent-developments-in-autodesk-licensing-and-audits-part-i/ \|archive-date=18 Nov 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=scottandscottllp.com}}</ref> In 2019, Autodesk transitioned HSMWorks subscribers to Fusion 360 subscribers, granting them entitlement to download and use HSMWorks.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=23 Apr 2019 \|title=HSMWorks 2020 now included with Fusion 360 subscriptions \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/tsarticles/ts/4ZktnaH9yvV8DxOnwA0LCv.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116105651/https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/tsarticles/ts/4ZktnaH9yvV8DxOnwA0LCv.html \|archive-date=16 Nov 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> In February 2025, Autodesk sent an email to Fusion 360 subscribers that HSMWorks entitlement would no longer be included on new subscriptions after March 25, 2025. and entitlement would end March 25, 2028, for all subscribers. "''At that point, you will no longer be able to download, access, '''or use''' HSMWorks.''"<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=@lenny_1962 \|date=3 Feb 2025 \|title=HSMWorks End Of Life March 25th, 2028 \|url=https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174804/https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>

	Because HSMWorks was subscription-only, or entitlement was only available through a Fusion 360 subscription, from 2016 onward, any person or organization that used up-to-date versions of HSMWorks since then will cease to have access to all data associated with HSMWorks, despite the data being locally stored and HSMWorks being installed (although unusable). HSMWorks data is not compatible with Fusion 360 nor Inventor CAM (products that share some technology with HSMWorks), thus, no solution exists to bridge users' data to actively supported software.		Because HSMWorks was subscription-only, or entitlement was only available through a Fusion 360 subscription, from 2016 onward, any person or organization that used up-to-date versions of HSMWorks since then will cease to have access to all data associated with HSMWorks, despite the data being locally stored and HSMWorks being installed (although unusable). HSMWorks data is not compatible with Fusion 360 nor Inventor CAM (products that share some technology with HSMWorks), thus, no solution exists to bridge users' data to actively supported software.

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 5 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T03:14:12Z

Added archive URLs for 5 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:14, 23 February 2026
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	=== Telemetry bugs and harmful fines ===		=== Telemetry bugs and harmful fines ===
	In 2017, consumers reported that Autodesk's telemetry on paid versions of software detected pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly received<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AUTODESK ANALYTICS PROGRAMS \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/company/autodesk-analytics \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> on paid versions of software detecting pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly sent large fines as a punishment.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804044043/https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> This software has also been reported to malfunction, and Autodesk is allegedly pressuring consumers into purchasing expensive versions of their licenses.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses (Reply) \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/comment/lod8lo2/ \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>		In 2017, consumers reported that Autodesk's telemetry on paid versions of software detected pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly received<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AUTODESK ANALYTICS PROGRAMS \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/company/autodesk-analytics \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Autodesk]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210123931/https://www.autodesk.com/company/autodesk-analytics \|archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref> on paid versions of software detecting pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly sent large fines as a punishment.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804044043/https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025 \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> This software has also been reported to malfunction, and Autodesk is allegedly pressuring consumers into purchasing expensive versions of their licenses.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses (Reply) \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/comment/lod8lo2/ \|access-date=2 Aug 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]] \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223030344/https://old.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/lod8lo2/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	=== '''Ian Davis ended lifetime subscriptions''' ===		=== '''Ian Davis ended lifetime subscriptions''' ===
	'''In 2023, YouTuber Ian Davis owned a permanent, standalone license for Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2013, which failed to renew. Autodesk refused to issue a new license without an additional subscription purchase.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ian \|first=Davis \|date=2023-06-29 \|title=So much for Permanent Standalone licensing... \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4-pp1uKNnM \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|type=video \|publication-place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel}}</ref>'''<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Louis \|first=Rossmann \|date=2023-06-30 \|title=Autodesk screws customers by turning lifetime licenses into subscriptions \|url=Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHY9K8X45XA \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|type=video}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ian \|first=Davis \|date=2023-07-03 \|title=Thoughts on AutoCad License invalidation \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iQP62_X13g \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel \|type=video}}</ref>		'''In 2023, YouTuber Ian Davis owned a permanent, standalone license for Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2013, which failed to renew. Autodesk refused to issue a new license without an additional subscription purchase.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ian \|first=Davis \|date=2023-06-29 \|title=So much for Permanent Standalone licensing... \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4-pp1uKNnM \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|type=video \|publication-place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=U4-pp1uKNnM \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>'''<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Louis \|first=Rossmann \|date=2023-06-30 \|title=Autodesk screws customers by turning lifetime licenses into subscriptions \|url=Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHY9K8X45XA \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|type=video \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=OHY9K8X45XA \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ian \|first=Davis \|date=2023-07-03 \|title=Thoughts on AutoCad License invalidation \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iQP62_X13g \|access-date=2026-02-20 \|website=YouTube \|place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel \|type=video \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=7iQP62_X13g \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	=== Windows 10 support discontinuation ===		=== Windows 10 support discontinuation ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:29, 22 March 2026
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	Autodesk transitioned their go-to-market model from perpetual licenses to subscriptions and multi-year contracts billed annually<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2025-05-06 \|title=Autodesk Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement \|url=https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Autodesk Investor Relations \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250705192736/https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|archive-date=5 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- Cited Autodesk's annual proxy statement from their investor relations website. A "archived" copy should be available at sec.gov, but I'm struggling to find it since the search feature there is awful. A copy is almost certainly held on the Nasdaq website as well. -->. As noted in their annual proxy statement: <blockquote>Our go-to-market (GTM) model has evolved significantly and purposefully over the years, from the transition to subscription and multi-year contracts billed annually, through self-service enablement, the adoption of direct billing, and more. In fiscal 2025, we completed the launch of our direct billing model (“the new transaction model”) and are now beginning the optimization phase, positioning Autodesk to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and channel partners. This comes from faster and less complex processes and more digital self-service and automation that enable tighter channel partnerships and less duplication of effort. The new transaction model will further unlock long-term value by strengthening our sales and marketing efficiency.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>		Autodesk transitioned their go-to-market model from perpetual licenses to subscriptions and multi-year contracts billed annually<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2025-05-06 \|title=Autodesk Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement \|url=https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-02-05 \|website=Autodesk Investor Relations \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250705192736/https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff \|archive-date=5 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- Cited Autodesk's annual proxy statement from their investor relations website. A "archived" copy should be available at sec.gov, but I'm struggling to find it since the search feature there is awful. A copy is almost certainly held on the Nasdaq website as well. -->. As noted in their annual proxy statement: <blockquote>Our go-to-market (GTM) model has evolved significantly and purposefully over the years, from the transition to subscription and multi-year contracts billed annually, through self-service enablement, the adoption of direct billing, and more. In fiscal 2025, we completed the launch of our direct billing model (“the new transaction model”) and are now beginning the optimization phase, positioning Autodesk to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and channel partners. This comes from faster and less complex processes and more digital self-service and automation that enable tighter channel partnerships and less duplication of effort. The new transaction model will further unlock long-term value by strengthening our sales and marketing efficiency.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>
	==='''Market Control'''===		==='''Market Control'''===
	Autodesk is the biggest player in the CAD and BIM software markets.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoCAD market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/autocad-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Revit market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/bim-and-architectural-design-software/autodesk-revit-market-share \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Market Overview Of BIM And CAD Software Usage Of European Architects \|url=https://www.usp-research.com/insights/news/market-overview-of-bim-and-cad-software-usage-of-european-architects/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=USP}}</ref> Autodesk has done many things throughout the years to achieve this market dominance (on top of offering products that many professionals consider to be the best the market has to offer), including:		Autodesk is the biggest player in the CAD and BIM software markets.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=AutoCAD market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/autocad-market-share \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715185010/https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/autocad-market-share \|archive-date=15 Jul 2025 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Revit market share \|url=https://6sense.com/tech/bim-and-architectural-design-software/autodesk-revit-market-share \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624143838/https://6sense.com/tech/bim-and-architectural-design-software/autodesk-revit-market-share \|archive-date=24 Jun 2025 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Market Overview Of BIM And CAD Software Usage Of European Architects \|url=https://www.usp-research.com/insights/news/market-overview-of-bim-and-cad-software-usage-of-european-architects/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322121604/https://www.usp-research.com/insights/news/market-overview-of-bim-and-cad-software-usage-of-european-architects/ \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=USP}}</ref> Autodesk has done many things throughout the years to achieve this market dominance (on top of offering products that many professionals consider to be the best the market has to offer), including:

	*Offering licenses to their products free of charge to students and educators. This creates a self perpetuating cycle where people join the labor market already proficient in the tools Autodesk offers which makes companies more likely to adopt those tools so that they are able to hire the best talent, and they'll also be able to replace employees with someone else trained on that same tool more easily. This in turn pushes the education system to keep on training students on these tools since they're in high demand and in turn it will give them their best chance when looking for jobs.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk Student and Educator Resources \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/in/education/home \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Autodesk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=The 14th Network Effect: Expertise \|url=https://www.nfx.com/post/14th-network-effect-expertise \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Nfx}}</ref>		*Offering licenses to their products free of charge to students and educators. This creates a self perpetuating cycle where people join the labor market already proficient in the tools Autodesk offers which makes companies more likely to adopt those tools so that they are able to hire the best talent, and they'll also be able to replace employees with someone else trained on that same tool more easily. This in turn pushes the education system to keep on training students on these tools since they're in high demand and in turn it will give them their best chance when looking for jobs.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk Student and Educator Resources \|url=https://www.autodesk.com/in/education/home \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322121611/https://www.autodesk.com/in/education/home \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Autodesk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=The 14th Network Effect: Expertise \|url=https://www.nfx.com/post/14th-network-effect-expertise \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322121621/https://www.nfx.com/post/14th-network-effect-expertise \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Nfx}}</ref>
	*Acquisitions. Since its inception Autodesk has made over 50 acquisitions<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Acquisitions by Autodesk \|url=https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-autodesk/__Kxu4Vt6UZ7eVfgRkhMvgWtudb5ZVezJ52v763sVyeK4 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Tracxn}}</ref> with some sources claiming over 80.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk \|url=https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/autodesk \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=crunchbase}}</ref> As of 2026 they offer over 100 products.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web \|title=The Ultimate Autodesk Software List: All 112 Products Explained \|url=https://quadrasol.co.uk/blog/autodesk-software-collection/ \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Quadra Solutions}}</ref>		*Acquisitions. Since its inception Autodesk has made over 50 acquisitions<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Acquisitions by Autodesk \|url=https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-autodesk/__Kxu4Vt6UZ7eVfgRkhMvgWtudb5ZVezJ52v763sVyeK4 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0322-2124-54/https://tracxn.com:443/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-autodesk/__Kxu4Vt6UZ7eVfgRkhMvgWtudb5ZVezJ52v763sVyeK4 \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Tracxn}}</ref> with some sources claiming over 80.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk \|url=https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/autodesk \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817045424/https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/autodesk \|archive-date=17 Aug 2021 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=crunchbase}}</ref> As of 2026 they offer over 100 products.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web \|title=The Ultimate Autodesk Software List: All 112 Products Explained \|url=https://quadrasol.co.uk/blog/autodesk-software-collection/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0322-2128-13/https://quadrasol.co.uk:443/blog/autodesk-software-collection/ \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Quadra Solutions}}</ref>

	Their market dominance allows them continuously raise the prices of the subscriptions for their products.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk continues to enshittify Fusion 360 with a 27% price increase \|url=https://www.ondsel.com/blog/autodesk-enshittifies-fusion-360/ \|access-date=20 Feb 2026 \|website=Ondsel}}</ref>		Their market dominance allows them continuously raise the prices of the subscriptions for their products.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Autodesk continues to enshittify Fusion 360 with a 27% price increase \|url=https://www.ondsel.com/blog/autodesk-enshittifies-fusion-360/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322122128/https://www.ondsel.com/blog/autodesk-enshittifies-fusion-360/ \|archive-date=22 Mar 2026 \|access-date=20 Feb 2026 \|website=Ondsel}}</ref>

	==Controversies==		==Controversies==