The way we acquire geospatial technology is changing. Following the consumer software as a service (SaaS) model, many professional GIS software applications have gone from single-use licensing to subscription-based price models such as Esri ArcGIS Online or Drone2Map. Enterprise License Agreements, cloud-based field data collection apps, and cloud-based UAS photogrammetry software platforms have followed suit. But what about professional services? And hardware? Yes, you can subscribe to these now too. From flat fee annual professional service agreements to new innovative hardware technology such as Trimble Catalyst, service providers and hardware manufacturers are looking to subscription models to enable customers to acquire high-dollar technology for low-cost annual fees. This shift is, in part, an attempt to make budgeting more predictable and palatable. Instead of waiting two years for your budget to come through, then buying technology that is already outdated, subscriptions may allow you to progress your GIS more quickly while remaining flexible year over year. However, they have their limitations as well. Attend this presentation to learn more about new geospatial technology and how industry leaders are giving professionals more options as to how they invest in their GIS.
