For visual effects studios, game studios and 3D artists who want to maximize their investment in Houdini, the Annual Upgrade Plan provides key advantages such as production-level technical support and online daily builds containing the latest software enhancements.
The plan includes access to the SideFX support team which is renowned for their fast, courteous service and high level of production expertise. Whether you are configuring Houdini, troubleshooting a production issue, or prototyping an effect for a new project, you can rely on our team to provide you with first class support.
The Annual Upgrade Plan offers you automatic upgrades, predictable budgeting and access to first - class support. The alternative is to go off the program and repurchase a new Houdini license (with first year AUP) to get back on the program. This pay-as-you-go approach does not include many of the benefits of the Annual Upgrade Plan. Take advantage of these benefits in your first year then be sure to renew annually.
Stay on the Leading Edge
Version and Dot Releases
Annual Upgrade Plan members are entitled to all version [e.g. 15.0] and dot [e.g. 15.5] releases as soon as they are released. These updates occur when new tools and technologies are introduced and provide significant productivity enhancements. Annual Upgrade Plan members are automatically notified when a new version goes gold and new licenses are ready to be redeemed. SideFX typically announces either one or two of these release per year.
Production and Daily Builds
SideFX generates daily builds of Houdini containing enhancements requested by Annual Upgrade Plan members. You can access these daily builds at any time online which makes a huge difference when faced with a looming deadline. On a regular basis, one of the daily builds is put through more rigorous testing and is tagged as the recommended production build.
Enjoy First Class Service
E-mail Support
The SideFX support team is renowned for fast, courteous service and a high level of production expertise. Whether you are configuring Houdini, troubleshooting a production issue, or prototyping an effect for a new project, you can rely on our team of production specialists to respond appropriately to the severity of your request and, if necessary, escalate any issues to R&D.
Direct Access to Bug Database
As an Annual Upgrade Plan member you can now track your own software issues and RFE”S [Request Feature Enhancement]. Log-in and communicate directly with SideFX to sort out your issue then find out which build contains the related enhancement.
A Personal Touch
Shot Guidance
Talk to the support team early in production and they will help you prototype a solution to your most challenging problems in Houdini. Share files and work together to find the best approach.
Webinar Sessions
In certain cases, the ideal way to share information is through an online webinar session where a SideFX production specialist can walk you through a solution to an issue or explore ideas for your next big shot. A personal touch for situations that require special attention.