Software subscription keeps small creative agencies innovative

Digital media agency Cyberbia enjoys the many advantages of having access to a global marketplace for its creative services. With the benefits of a potentially worldwide clientele comes the need for the latest available software. So for this boutique agency, Adobe's subscription service was the perfect solution to keeping its software technology fresh and its job output fast.

The busy Cyberbia design team relies on an innovative subscription system for their use of Adobe software to produce interactive websites, microsites, eDM campaigns, e-newsletters and online marketing.

"The Adobe CS4 Design Premium product, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, InDesign and Flash are used by all six of our staff every day. It's central to everything we do, from administration to production management, from information architecture to creative design," said company founder and managing director, Colin Laidlaw.

"The digital media industry travels very quickly. New marketing and advertising channels are opening up all the time, so it's vital to keep our team trained in the latest software because the updates can directly affect how we create - or plan to create - an online project."

No interruption to cash or work flow

Like any small, fast-growing business, control of cash flow is vital to Cyberbia. The subscription software alternative offers that security.

Because upgrades are automatically supplied as part of the deal, subscribers retain their competitive edge without the interruption to profitability that buying retail upgrades or software programs might involve. Set automatic monthly credit card renewal saves on administration too.

Laidlaw cites scalability advantages as another good reason why subscription software suits his team. Licensing flexibility and affordability had to be part of any subscription system while his business is expanding unpredictably. New staff must be equipped with all software at their workstations as soon as they start with the company.

"In 2006 Cyberbia was a solo effort and within two years I had six full-time staff. I predict our size will double again to 12 full-timers within the next couple of years," said Laidlaw.

Adobe subscription a perfect fit to budget and services

Once the subscription software option was selected, Cyberbia's production manager, Tony Firth, considered the mix of Adobe programs that would match the company's creative needs and budget. They decided on Adobe CS4 Design Premium, Design Standard and a Design Premium Subscription Version.

"It was a no brainer to choose Adobe," says Laidlaw.

"One of the reasons Adobe software is considered the industry standard is because it provides a fantastic user experience and finished product. Adobe continually pushes the innovation envelope so there is no need to go elsewhere."

The subscription version of the Creative Suite contains identical features to the retail version. Monthly payments include automatic upgrades at no additional cost. New releases are simply downloaded by each user.

"The Adobe Subscription Version suits Cyberbia because it accommodates company growth. It's a business strategy that means we don't need to outlay thousands of dollars to update the whole studio when an important upgrade becomes available," said Laidlaw.

Flexible terms for changing workloads

Software by subscription keeps Cyberbia flexible to changes in workflow. The company can suspend subscription to the Adobe Design Premium service as client demand dictates and re-subscribe later.

Cyberbia can also deactivate one computer's subscription and activate it on another, for example if a designer takes leave, their software can be changed to a freelancer's laptop or workstation and switched back later.

"The best thing about Adobe products is they allow us to work unencumbered," said Laidlaw.

"We don't really need to think about the tools we use, they are just there and they are perfect for all we want to produce, every day. Every aspect of the Adobe subscription software solution is integral to our operation."