Hydratec, Inc. Newsletter
HydraNEWS Volume XXIV- Number 3
In This Issue
AutoCAD 2016
HydraCAD V53.03 Released
AutoCAD 2016 FAQ
New Hydratec Subscription System
Renting AutoCAD
5% Discount on Adesk Subscription
Autodesk Account
Training in Spanish
Quick Links



4/2/15 - Autodesk has released their latest version - AutoCAD 2016.

Hydratec has released both a HydraCAD Version 53.03 Rev1 update (for computers already running earlier versions of Version 53) and a new install of Version 53.03. See below for more information.

Customers who have their AutoCAD licenses on Subscription can go into Autodesk Account (formerly Autodesk Subscription) and download AutoCAD 2016 immediately. Please note that we cannot do this for you.

Customers who purchased an AutoCAD 2015 but did not put it on subscription can still put it on subscription for a very short time (until around April 20th) and save having to buy a whole new copy of AutoCAD affter that date. Please contact us immediately!

Customers who do not fit into the above categories can buy a new copy of AutoCAD 2016. Please remember that last month Autodesk ended all upgrades for their software, so seats either have to be on subscription, or you need to buy a new seat.

Note: AutoCAD MEP 2016 has also been released. Building Design Suite/Revit/Navisworks are expected to be released in the near future.
AutoCAD 2016 Released
This new version of AutoCAD adds more drafting and manipulation tools to AutoCAD. A great list of new features can be found here: AutoCAD 2016 Features

The drawing format is the same as 2013,  2014 and 2015. AutoCAD 2016 will work with Windows 7 and Windows 8 64-bit versions. Windows XP and Windows Vista are not supported.

An update (Version 53.03 Rev1) is required in order for HydraCAD to work with AutoCAD 2016 (see below). This version is now available on our download fulfillment site for customers on our subscription update plan. Others may call for a quote.

Visit our AutoCAD 2016 page for information about new features in and reviews of AutoCAD 2016.
HydraCAD Version 53.03 Rev1 Released

HydraCAD Version 53.03 Rev1 has been released. This update adds AutoCAD 2016 compatibility to Version 53. This update is now on the new Hydratec Subscription site as well as the old site.

If you already have Version 53 on your computer and are adding AutoCAD 2016, run the 53.03 Rev1 update, then run the 'Configure AutoCAD for HydraCAD V53' configuration tool found in the Start->Programs->Hydratec Version 50 Software folder to add the proper paths to AutoCAD 2016.

If you do not have Version 53 on your computer, then simply download Version 53.03 install. There will be no reason to run the configuration tool in this case.
FAQs About AutoCAD 2016 and HydraCAD

We usually have quite a few questions about AutoCAD and HydraCAD whenever a new version is released. In anticipation, we answer these below:


Q: How will I configure AutoCAD 2016 to work with HydraCAD?

A: The Version 53 install will automatically configure your AutoCAD 2016. It will launch a second update which will do the configuration. You may also manually configure it by reading the documents found on the Documentation section of our Support site.

Q: If I stay on AutoCAD 2013 or 2014 or 2015 will V52/V53 still be updated for me?

A: Yes. When a new version is released, we generally continue to update the existing version for two or three years. At some point in the future, new features will be created that will only take advantage of the newest AutoCAD versions.

Q: Did the drawing format change between AutoCAD 2016 and 2015/2014/2013?

A: No.

Q: Can I upgrade previous AutoCAD versions to 2016?

A: No. Autodesk has discontinued that option. Your existing seats must be on subscription with Autodesk or you will need to buy a new seat.

Q: If we have 2014 or older installed, can we install 2016 and not install 2015 first?

A: Yes, AutoCAD installs are self-contained and do not require that previous versions be installed.

New Hydratec Subscription and Updates System

On March 1st we also switched over to a new download system for use by Hydratec subscription customers. This system gives us (and you) greater flexibility and better reliability when downloading large files.

There is a new mechanism for logging in, one which requires an email address and password for verification. Because of this, every user will need to set up a new account. In order to confirm that users work for the company claimed, we are verifying their employment with known contacts within their company, if the email address used is not known to us.

Renting AutoCAD/Navis/Revit Now a Viable Option
Autodesk has had 'rental' of their products available for about a year, but maybe it is time to consider this in certain circumstances (PS - although AutoCAD calls it 'pay-as-you-go', we call it rental, as that is more familiar to people).

Here are some scenarios where rental may make sense:
  • You plan to hire an intern for the summer to help out in your design department
     
  • You have a project that will last two or three months and need another seat of Navisworks Manage for that period
     
  • You are just starting out or need to add another seat of AutoCAD and don't want to stretch your cash flow to pay for a new seat up front
     
  • You want predictability in your budget, and rental can make that a fixed cost
Aside from the reduced amount of money needed up front to add a new seat of whatever, one advantage of Autodesk rental is that it includes the latest version of the software, so you do not need to pay a separate maintenance subscription fee.

We can offer rental on all Autodesk products, not just the ones listed on their website, so contact us for pricing!
5% Off Three Year Autodesk Subscription
Until July 31st, you can get 5% off and lock in current subscription pricing when ordering a three-year Autodesk subscription. Contact us for pricing.
Autodesk Subscription Center is now Autodesk Account


Autodesk has re-branded their Autodesk Subscription Center as Autodesk Account. This new site is easier to use and more helpful.

All former Subscription Center accounts have been migrated over to Autodesk Account, so your old username and password combination will work with the new site.

Training is Now Available in Spanish

Hydratec can now offer training in Spanish! We have a longtime colleague in Mexico who is available to travel and train you wherever you might need him. Please contact us for details.
Enjoy your Spring!
 
Sincerely,
 
Arthur Dove
Hydratec, Inc.