free copies of Revit

[callie_martin]

My office is in the big Revit vs. Archicad debate. I used Revit at my last job and the firm I'm currently at has hired me to head up the BIM research and decision making (I'm the only person in the office that has used BIM). I have actually told the partners that if they end up choosing Archicad that I won't be staying because I firmly believe that Revit is the future of this business and I don't want to loose my Revit skills. My boss however is angry at Autodesk because one of our competitors received free copies of the program. I had once heard that many free copies were sent out (perhaps with AutoCAD subscriptions?). Does anyone know anything about this? I'm trying to convince him that the other firm wasn't the only one to receive free copies, and that it probably just worked out that we weren't ordering Autodesk products when this promotion was going on. I would greatly appreciate any help that you can offer. Thanks in advance!

[aaronrumple]

Anyone can download a 30 day free copy of Revit for trial. Just go to the website.

There is no "free" full time version of Revit. Autodesk would never send out anything that hasn't been paid for.

If you are on subscription, you do get regular updates of Revit - but it isn't free.

[clog boy]

What's more, after 30 days Revit becomes a free viewer, but still fully functional.
Except for the save and print function, I think export is disabled as well.

Autodesk offers sufficient opportunity to get familiar with the product. But nothing comes for free.

[aaronrumple]

What's more, after 30 days Revit becomes a free viewer, but still fully functional.
Except for the save and print function, I think export is disabled as well.

Autodesk offers sufficient opportunity to get familiar with the product. But nothing comes for free.

As a "free viewer" you can print projects - as long as nothing has changed. So your client could even print if you wanted them to, but as soon as they changed anything - it will no longer print. Which is a cool feature.

[iru69]

I've never heard of them literally handing out free copies of Revit, but they (and/or the resellers) have run promotions for upgrading AutoCAD to AutoCAD Revit Suite for essentially the same cost as just upgrading to the latest version of AutoCAD. I guess that's kind of like getting Revit for free.

If your boss's decision making process for investing in the most crucial software the firm is going to be using for the next ten years is based on such pettiness, that would be a major red flag to me about your future there.

Good luck!


My boss however is angry at Autodesk because one of our competitors received free copies of the program.

[BillyGrey]

My boss however is angry at Autodesk because one of our competitors received free copies of the program

Never one to back down from flawed logic <8*) I would probably remind my boss that missing out on a long gone promo (if even true, and were the copies upgrade-able?) is certainly not any reason to fault Adesk, and a really poor reason not to buy the technology.

Even if he doesn't like the team owner, he shouldn't pass over the opportunity to pick up a star quality team player.

Good luck!

[callie_martin]

Thanks guys! I do know about the 30 day trial and it's great that it can remain as a viewer, so at least I can still make my presentation to office and show them what I've done. Hopefully they'll come around!

[bclarch]

If your boss's decision making process for investing in the most crucial software the firm is going to be using for the next ten years is based on such pettiness, that would be a major red flag to me about your future there.

Good luck!
I was thinking the same thing. Amazing what some people choose to focus on. You almost have to wonder what would happen if you both go to a trade show and you get a free pen at some booth and your boss doesn't. :)

[Brian Myers]

Traditionally Autodesk has supplied companies with "free" software for only three reasons.

1.) The software was purchased bundled in with other software at either the same price or a greatly reduced rate. The thought was to expand the product line and perhaps make some of the money back on subscription or future software purchases.

2.) Alpha software packages (or perhaps VERY new software that has yet to take off) I know has been given to companies in exchange for feedback and/or using them as free press/publicity.

3.) NFR copies... rare, but its happened. These historically are not upgradable.

Regardless, if the other company has had a positive relationship and business impact based on their use of Autodesk technology then does it make sense to not purchase that (or other) software from the same software company? Software that can help you compete on a business level with the firm that your own firm does not trust and wants to beat in the industry? I'd think you would want to dominate your market and increase profits using the best tools available.

[bclarch]

It sure is an interesting world. I recceived the following negative rep for my post above.

"u guys r stupid; passing judgement on a man u dont even know, only what u have heard...stupid"

So, how does that apply to judging me without knowing me? :shock: The irony was too perfect not to share. Callie-martin, I hope this wasn't your boss posting. :) (Oh no, I'll probably get more negative rep points for this.)

[Scott D Davis]

Thanks guys! I do know about the 30 day trial and it's great that it can remain as a viewer, so at least I can still make my presentation to office and show them what I've done. Hopefully they'll come around!

Why don't you invite Autodesk to come make that presentation with you? Thats what we are here for! My team, the Technical Specialists, can come to your office and learn a little bit about your company, and then help you make the most informed decisions about your future!

What area of the country are you in? I can set you up with the right contacts....

[truevis]

I heard Elvis gave away free Cadillacs.


"He loved his Cadillacs/He gave a ton away/200, more or less/ Or so the pundits say,"

I'm never buying a car again.