AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009

Questions and Answers

This document contains information regarding AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 and migrating to AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 software.
1. General Product Information ............................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 What is happening with AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009? .......................................................................... 2 Will AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 be included on future lists of approved prior versions? ................ 2 Will AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 customers still be able to download hot fixes and services packs for their products from Autodesk? ............................................................................................................................................... 2 Will customers still be able to get support from Autodesk for AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009? ........... 2 What happens if customers choose not to renew their Subscription contract and continue using AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009? Is there an upgrade option down the road? .................................................................................. 2

Migrating to AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 software ....................................................................................................................................... 3 1.6 1.7 Are there any sales promotions running for Land Desktop customers using 2008 or earlier to migrate to AutoCAD Civil 3D? .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 What options does an AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 user with an expired Subscription contract have? How can they get access to the current version of AutoCAD Civil 3D? ........................................................................ 3

2. Migration Objection Handling ............................................................................................................................................................. 3 2.1 2.2 2.3 Isnt purchasing Civil 3D too expensive?..................................................................................................................................... 3 Isnt AutoCAD Civil 3D a lot more complicated to install and use then Land Desktop? We just need simple software that focuses on targeted workflows. .................................................................................................................................................... 3 Does it take a lot of time and resources to learn new software? ............................................................................................... 4

3. The Exception Process ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Will there be any remedy for customers still using AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 who lose media? .. 4 My customer did renew their Subscription or participated in the Get Current program but needs some transition time. What is the current process for these exceptions? .................................................................................................................... 4 What is the policy for post-retirement activations? .................................................................................................................... 4 What is the procedure if the customer needs to replace a computer and reinstall Land Desktop? ....................................... 4 There are Civil 3D Subscription customers currently using AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009. Will they be required to discontinue the use of that software when future versions of Civil 3D are released? .................................... 4

4. About AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 What is the difference between Land Desktop and Civil 3D (functionality/advantages)? ....................................................... 5 Is all of the Land Desktop functionality included in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012? .......................................................................... 5 Who is AutoCAD Civil 3D software for? ....................................................................................................................................... 5 What training resources does Autodesk provide for AutoCAD Civil 3D? ................................................................................. 5 What are the differences in system requirements for Land Desktop and AutoCAD Civil 3D? ................................................ 5 How does AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 work with the Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2012 premium or ultimate licensing? .................................................................................................................................................... 5 When was the Land Desktop application last released? We are under the impression that after the 2007 release, Land Desktop was absorbed into the Civil 3D product and became an underlying component of that product, rather than two unique products. ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5 How will the product retirement be communicated to customers? ........................................................................................... 6

4.8

For use by Authorized Autodesk Resellers only

AUTOCAD CIVIL 3D LAND DESKTOP COMPANION 2009 SOFTWARE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. General Product Information 1.1 What is happening with AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009? Starting with future releases of Civil 3D, Autodesk will no longer be providing support for AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009. The change in support for AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 follows our standard company policy regarding supporting products up to but not more than three versions back. Support includes technical assistance, service packs, and documentation. Additionally, Subscription customers will not be able to download AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 after future releases of Civil 3D. 1.2 Will AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 be included on future lists of approved prior versions?

AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 will not be included on future lists of approved prior versions. However, there is an exception process that people may be able to use if there is a valid reason for someone to use a prior version (typically to finish a legacy project). For more information regarding the approved prior versions policy at Autodesk, click here or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=11067735&linkID=9240617 1.3 Will AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 customers still be able to download hot fixes and services packs for their products from Autodesk?

Customers will be able to download hot fixes and service packs for AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion, up to 2009. However, no new service packs or downloads will be made available. 1.4 Will customers still be able to get support from Autodesk for AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009?

Autodesk supports the products that are available through Subscription which include the current version and three prior versions. Once the product is no longer supported, the best resource to help with questions or issues is the AutoCAD Land Desktop Discussion Forum that can be found here: http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-Land-Desktop/bd-p/83. 1.5 What happens if customers choose not to renew their Subscription contract and continue using AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009? Is there an upgrade option down the road?

Currently, there is no upgrade path. However, there are legacy programs available. To learn more about the available legacy programs, contact your authorized Autodesk partner. If you are a reseller, visit the partner portal for information on the available promotions. The path is: Partner Portal>sales and marketing> campaigns and promotions.

AUTOCAD CIVIL 3D LAND DESKTOP COMPANION 2009 SOFTWARE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Migrating to AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 software

1.6 Are there any sales promotions running for Land Desktop customers using 2008 or earlier to migrate to AutoCAD Civil 3D?

Beginning on November 14 and ending on January 13, 2012, Autodesk will be offering a promotion called Amazingly Easy. The promotion will enable Land Desktop customers using Land Desktop 2008 or earlier to purchase Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2012 or AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 software and receive an additional 20% savings, on top of the already discounted Get Current SKUs available for customers on software version 2008 or earlier. 1.7 What options does an AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 user with an expired Subscription contract have? How can they get access to the current version of AutoCAD Civil 3D?

Beginning on November 14 and ending on January 13, 2012, Autodesk will be offering a promotion called Amazingly Easy. The promotion will enable AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 customers with an expired Subscription contract to purchase Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2012 or Autodesk Civil 3D 2012 and receive an additional 20% savings, on top of the already discounted Get Current SKUs available for customers on software version 2008 or earlier. 2. Migration Objection Handling 2.1 Isnt purchasing Civil 3D too expensive?

Autodesk authorized partners are offering customers with Land Desktop 2008 or earlier the opportunity to make the switch to AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 or AutoCAD Infrastructure Design Suite with up to 40% savings. 2.2 Isnt AutoCAD Civil 3D a lot more complicated to install and use then Land Desktop? We just need simple software that focuses on targeted workflows.

AutoCAD Civil 3D software includes all the features and functionality you need to get your work done. And while it may contain more tools than you need at this time, the user interface can be customized to help narrow down features so users only see those associated with their targeted workflow. As new types of work are undertaken by your company, you can modify the user interface to expose more functionality, as opposed to having to purchase more software. Additionally, AutoCAD Civil 3D supports professionals working in the land development, transportation, and water resources industries. If your company works in multiple industries, AutoCAD Civil 3D makes it easier for your IT department since only one software application needs to be supported. It also provides the opportunity to consolidate to a single software solution.

AUTOCAD CIVIL 3D LAND DESKTOP COMPANION 2009 SOFTWARE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

2.3

Does it take a lot of time and resources to learn new software?

AutoCAD Civil 3D software includes a collection of tools accessible from the Services and Support and Training pages on the AutoCAD Civil 3D product center that helps customers get up and running more quickly. These include Getting Started with AutoCAD Civil 3D, tutorials, and best practices. There are additional resources that users can take advantage of, including webcasts, reseller seminars, discussion groups, consultant programs, and more.

3. The Exception Process

3.1 Will there be any remedy for customers still using AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 who lose media? My customer did renew their Subscription or participated in the Get Current program but needs some transition time. What is the current process for these exceptions? What is the policy for post-retirement activations? What is the procedure if the customer needs to replace a computer and reinstall Land Desktop?

3.2

3.3 3.4

The answer to all four questions is the following: There is a standard exception policy that companies on Subscription can follow. They will be required to submit information that is needed to justify why they need to continue using a version that is older than what Autodesk supports under the standard Subscription policy. To learn more about applying for an exception please contact your authorized Autodesk reseller. If you are an authorized Autodesk reseller contact your Autodesk Partner Manager for more information. 3.5 There are Civil 3D Subscription customers currently using AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009. Will they be required to discontinue the use of that software when future versions of Civil 3D are released?

No. Assuming they already own a 2012 or earlier Civil 3D license, Civil 3D customers currently on subscription can continue to use Land Desktop Companion 2009. However, they will be using their 2009 products without support and they will not be able to get additional or replacement authorization codes. Under certain conditions, a formal exception process can be followed that will enable organizations to address network and stand-alone licensing issues such as replacement of hardware or loss of network license files, or to complete a legacy project. For example, an organization may need to support the use of a future version of Civil 3D for new projects and Land Desktop Companion 2009 for legacy projects.

AUTOCAD CIVIL 3D LAND DESKTOP COMPANION 2009 SOFTWARE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

4. About AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012

4.1 What is the difference between Land Desktop and Civil 3D (functionality/advantages)?

To better understand the differences between Land Desktop and AutoCAD Civil 3D, please refer to the Making the switch to AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 from AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 document available on the partner portal. 4.2 Is all of the Land Desktop functionality included in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012?

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 is a functional replacement to what was included in the former AutoCAD Land Desktop, AutoCAD Civil Design, and AutoCAD Survey products. Please refer to the Making the switch to AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 from AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 document available on the partner portal. 4.3 Who is AutoCAD Civil 3D software for?

AutoCAD Civil 3D is a comprehensive civil engineering solution for all types of civil engineering projects, covering the needs of engineers, technicians, surveyors, and drafters. Please refer to the Making the switch to AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 from AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 document for compelling reasons to migrate from Land Desktop to AutoCAD Civil 3D. 4.4 What training resources does Autodesk provide for AutoCAD Civil 3D? AutoCAD Civil 3D software includes a collection of tools accessible from the Services and Support and Training pages on the AutoCAD Civil 3D product center that helps customers get up and running more quickly. These include Getting Started with AutoCAD Civil 3D, tutorials, and best practices. There are additional resources that users can take advantage of, including webcasts, reseller seminars, discussion groups, consultant programs, and more. 4.5 What are the differences in system requirements for Land Desktop and AutoCAD Civil 3D? To learn more about the AutoCAD Civil 3D system requirements please visit the system requirements section located in the Civil 3D product center on Autodesk.com. Cut and paste the following URL into your browser: http://usa.autodesk.com/civil-3d/system-requirements/. 4.6 How does AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 work with the Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2012 premium or ultimate licensing? AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 can use the Infrastructure Design Suite license. 4.7 When was the Land Desktop application last released? We are under the impression that after the 2007 release, Land Desktop was absorbed into the Civil 3D product and became an underlying component of that product, rather than two unique products. Although many customers began transitioning out of Land Desktop with the 2007 release, Autodesk made AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2008 and 2009 versions available to our AutoCAD Civil 3D Subscription customers to help with the transition to

AUTOCAD CIVIL 3D LAND DESKTOP COMPANION 2009 SOFTWARE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

AutoCAD Civil 3D. AutoCAD Civil 3D is a replacement for Land Desktop that provides the functionality of Land Desktop in addition to several new tools. 4.8 How will the product retirement be communicated to customers? AutoCAD Civil 3D customers with current Subscription contracts will receive an email notifying them of the change around November 17, 2011. Autodesk sales and resellers are encouraged to communicate details about the AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion 2009 changes at any time.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. 2011 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.