Time moves on. In the 80's, 90's and 00's entire genres and niches were explored and defined. Much of the software I use matured around the time that article

Time moves on. In the 80's, 90's and 00's entire genres and niches were explored and defined. Much of the software I use matured around the time that article was written, and the "new features" in a lot of software are so niche, that they are big enough draws to buy new software versions. Hence the move to subscription for everything. Microsoft office is a generic example. The company I work for has all versions from 2007 through current in use. There are no features in the newer versions that change how we work. Many people I know in my industry have been looking to dump the service contracts for CAD software for 10+ years. No useful added features, no improvements in stability, and no service to speak of through the VARs. What is the point of paying?