It seems like architects do not have much choice, but to purchase an expensive license from Autodesk Revit. Doesn’t seem fair that architects only have one professional choice and price for their business. I would think fair completion would create an alternate for Auotodesk Revit, but doesn’t seem to be the case. Why does Autodesk Revit control the US market? Is it a monopoly model? Wonder why?
AutoDesk was smart enough to get in early and become the default program for the industry, just like MIcroSoft became a virtual monopoly for small business. The fact that most users are not really that sophisticated about computers, particularly us older farts/bosses who didn't grow up with these things, meant that they chose safety and bought what everybody else seemed to be buying. Self-fulfilling prophesy. Since we share files with consultants and sometimes clients, we need a program that doesn't fight with other programs, at least not too much. So, AutoDesk makes constant changes, and as soon as one participant in a collaboration upgrades, everybody else is kind of forced to upgrade as well to avoid conflicts and hassles that they don't have either the expertise or patience to deal with. Then, you just rake in the money. Brilliant business strategy.
The Pricing is only part of the monopolistic activities of auto desk, the problems with sharing data and comparability with other software is another problem.
I have a question, do architects fees go up to account for increased costs of software and hardware?
Nov 17, 17 9:59 am ·
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Non Sequitur
My M&E consultants asked for an increase in fees when we reminded them the project was to be completed in Revit. Oh no... it's so difficult for them to consider things like size and location when setting up CDs. Even with the extra moola, they could not get it right.
Nov 17, 17 10:46 am ·
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Wilma Buttfit
I'm just talking about costs of paying for software, not running it.
Free Autodesk software for students. Don't underestimate the power of giving the first one away for free. Drug dealers know this, and apparently so does Autodesk.
The bad thing about Revit being the market leader is that there are better BIM programs out there - ArchiCAD specifically. Stairs still suck, but there are a lot of things ArchiCAD does better than Revit.
I guess they do, but I don't use their products. I refuse to...even quit a job because they said they were a BIM office and they only worked with f-ing autocad. ArchiCAD, Rhino, Vectorworks, hell even SketchUp I tolerate, but Autodesk I simply can't stand 'em. I'd rather draw by hand...
Yes, Revit is expensive. Yes, their yearly updates are a money grab with minimal improvements. Yes, it's BS you can't save backwards. No, there is no monopoly in any way, shape, or form. I've never used ArchiCAD, but people seem to like that as an alternative.
Nov 17, 17 4:14 pm ·
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Does Autodesk Revit practice monopoly pricing tactics?
yes. next question.
Who would win in a fist fight? Peter Eisenman or Christopher Alexander?
Depends on what year. Now? Definitely Eisenman, but that's not a fair fight
AutoDesk was smart enough to get in early and become the default program for the industry, just like MIcroSoft became a virtual monopoly for small business. The fact that most users are not really that sophisticated about computers, particularly us older farts/bosses who didn't grow up with these things, meant that they chose safety and bought what everybody else seemed to be buying. Self-fulfilling prophesy. Since we share files with consultants and sometimes clients, we need a program that doesn't fight with other programs, at least not too much. So, AutoDesk makes constant changes, and as soon as one participant in a collaboration upgrades, everybody else is kind of forced to upgrade as well to avoid conflicts and hassles that they don't have either the expertise or patience to deal with. Then, you just rake in the money. Brilliant business strategy.
You're right, it's not fair, but neither is life.
The Pricing is only part of the monopolistic activities of auto desk, the problems with sharing data and comparability with other software is another problem.
I have a question, do architects fees go up to account for increased costs of software and hardware?
My M&E consultants asked for an increase in fees when we reminded them the project was to be completed in Revit. Oh no... it's so difficult for them to consider things like size and location when setting up CDs. Even with the extra moola, they could not get it right.
I'm just talking about costs of paying for software, not running it.
Free Autodesk software for students. Don't underestimate the power of giving the first one away for free. Drug dealers know this, and apparently so does Autodesk.
it pays to have a son studying engineering.....
The bad thing about Revit being the market leader is that there are better BIM programs out there - ArchiCAD specifically. Stairs still suck, but there are a lot of things ArchiCAD does better than Revit.
Yes, yes, and yes.
Adobe is monopolistic also.
Its all about subscriptions and forced upgrades.
I can't remember the last time Autodesk or Adobe came out with a really meaningful improvement to their products.
It's 2017 and we still can't see the thickness of the lines as we draw in Autocad? Ok....
I guess they do, but I don't use their products. I refuse to...even quit a job because they said they were a BIM office and they only worked with f-ing autocad. ArchiCAD, Rhino, Vectorworks, hell even SketchUp I tolerate, but Autodesk I simply can't stand 'em. I'd rather draw by hand...
Well, my bill went up 20% this year.
Way fucked up.
Yes, Revit is expensive. Yes, their yearly updates are a money grab with minimal improvements. Yes, it's BS you can't save backwards. No, there is no monopoly in any way, shape, or form. I've never used ArchiCAD, but people seem to like that as an alternative.
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