GRAPHISOFT screwed us again. This licensing nonsense is an absolute train wreck.

[Space_Agency]

So today I go in to change the representation of an existing run of ductwork in a project we created in V28. But nope cannot edit it. And it dawns on me that we recently changed our license to Archicad "Studio". So now ALL of our previously created duct routes, any objects that are classified as MEP elements in our embedded libraries are now also completely un-editable. I can't move it to another layer. I can't link it to another design option. I can't change the 2d or 3d representation. Nothing. It is essentially frozen and completely uneditable. So I go to change our license. And of course Graphisoft has made it so that the license we just paid for a few days a go in no way is credited to an upgrade to a "Collaborate" option. So we have just wasted more money now by having to essentially pay for both license types. What a complete RIP OFF. The practices of this company have moved from making software 'for architects by architects', to just simple greed. It's one thing to degrade the license and take away the tools, It's another to basically freeze everything that you've already created with a tool that was paid for and then now have to pay for an additional license just to unfreeze it. Why? Money is more important than keeping your user base is the only thing I can surmise. 

[menantol]

Too greedy. They should definately add MEP back into Studio. It's a very basic tool. Some objects, routing and what else? Purely a pricing move to add to company profit. Not cool.

[Jp1138]

I can´t understand why, if you bought a susbcription that won´t work for you, why doesn´t GS allow you to upgrade paying the difference. Totally baffling.

[menantol]

Unacceptable and unbeliveable. 

[Laszlo Nagy]

You guys should talk to your local resellers about possible upgrade options from Studio to Collaborate, and exactly how it can be done, if it is available. They are the best people to talk to about this.

[Space_Agency]

@mthd  I agree with you completely that it's not fine (see this 196 reply thread of the ongoing mess that is MEP including from one of the GS developers involved in MEP tools): https://community.graphisoft.com/t5/Modeling/MEP-27-The-New-Feature-that-never-happened/m-p/688402#M... )  Just at the end of my rope in dealing with that aspect of GS right now. And we are definitely on the lookout for other ships to jump to. 

[Space_Agency]

Laszlo, we are in touch with our reseller and they are looking into this. However it remains unresolved to date. If this gets settled I will be sure to update. Thank you for the support everyone. 

[Space_Agency]

We spoke with our reseller. They spoke to Graphisoft and there is "no way" of upgrading the license other than just purchasing a full "Collaborate" license. No explanation included as to why there is "no way."

•Thank you• Graphisoft for the real attention and support you give to your paying customers. We'll remember this as we look for alternative platforms and we'll be sure to share our experience in this situation with other firms and architects. 

[jl_lt]

just to understand, because it sounds so incredible that im having a hard time processing it: you purchased (or better said: "rented") a specific pagkage that turned out not being what you needed, because it didnt include all the tools.   So now you want to pay the diference from this package to the one that includes what you need (granted that you should pay more), but GS says "no way, you get stuck with what you have, if you want something else you need to pay again full price".     Is that correct?

[mthd]

@Space_Agency, I have been following that post too and that change in functionality from 26 to later versions is totally unacceptable and very unfair. It should be progressing in functionality not regressing. I would understand the annoyance of those trying to use MEP in AC 27 - 29.

[Space_Agency]

@jl_lt  Yes, that is correct. Now starting the process of leaving the Graphisoft platform. It will unfortunately take time. But have had enough. Have invested a lot of time and capital in it,  but this is not how to treat customers. The reseller I spoke with jumped to try and fix this and basically they were just told "no way to do this" and no explanation as to why. I'd suggest to all: spread the word that this is how GS is moving forward in dealing with customers.