Graphisoft: Global Changes in the Design Software Market

The design software market is changing worldwide, and Graphisoft has restructured its sales system accordingly, executives from the company – which develops design software for architecture – said at a press conference in Budapest on Tuesday.

Tamás Bayer, Graphisoft’s sales director, explained that by introducing direct sales, they can establish a direct relationship with their users and serve customer needs more quickly and accurately.

He cited software market trends as the reason for phasing out perpetual licenses and reseller sales, which were replaced this year by a subscription-based system that provides support services.

They expect this to help Hungarian architectural designers catch up in terms of digitalization, which is necessary because, domestically, the amount spent on design is generally low relative to the value of investments.

Occasional software updates and version releases are being replaced by continuous, comprehensive development, as this service model offers more predictable costs and more flexible product access, noted Tamás Bayer.

He explained that this year’s perpetual license version of their best-known product, the Archicad architectural software, will be the last, but it will remain compatible with earlier versions; newer versions and Graphisoft’s services, however, will be available only via subscription. Graphisoft is promoting these changes through promotions, discounts, loyalty campaigns, and support programs.

Based on international trends, Tamás Bayer believes that technological and market changes can be kept pace with through continuously updated, flexible solutions, and that adaptability is becoming an increasingly important requirement. They also recognize that designers today no longer require merely tools, but also services and collaborative partnerships alongside them.