Subscription models appear to be the norm at the moment from buying cars, listening to music and for a number of years software. The convenience of a subscription model for software has proven itself to be very powerful. Always up to date software, access to a library of fonts, cross platform compatibility are just a few of the advantages the subscription model has provided the creative industry using the Adobe suite.
But are there down sides to this deal? The chaos of the Venezuelan political crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of relying on a software subscription model controlled by foreign powers. Adobe has declared that all users of its products in Venezuela will immediately be cut of from the Adobe suite and any files stored on the Adobe servers. in order to comply with a US executive order issued in August that prohibits trade with the country. “The U.S. Government issued, the practical effect of which is to prohibit almost all transactions and services between U.S. companies, entities, and individuals in Venezuela. To remain compliant with this order, Adobe is deactivating all accounts in Venezuela.”
It is not just Designers and publishers who will be affected by this action, various NGOs and charities will be also unable to access software they have paid for. Adobe has to comply with the order but the implication for other users of their software is that access to their software could be vetoed by the US government.
Will this behaviour become more granular and effect companies and then possibly individuals? If you fall out of favour with a particular government or administration will your access to subscription software be removed. The implications for organizations or individuals reliant on this model could be drastic.
Photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash
