Even requiring users to register and sign in to get the download (collecting contact info along the way) would be a start. The publicity is great, but the chance to push the features of their newest version - CS6 - onto unrealized potential customers was (and continues to be) the real missed opportunity.Who knows, they could even convert some designers into paying customers over time. There’s a chance Adobe could tap into that market and try to build brand loyalty by offering a better free product.
Anyone can go to the download page, copy/paste the serial number, and start running any CS2 software on their home computer (assuming their operating system is compatible).
Here are some of the mainstream arguments for such a move: It’s not too late for Adobe to turn this unintended publicity into a promotional opportunity, but that opportunity is fleeting. Why Adobe should take advantage of the publicity now Some even make the case that giving away outdated software is something all software brands should do. However, with the denial that this was meant as a promotional offering, critics are now calling for Adobe to officially release CS2 to the public. And the way it spread so quickly as such is a testament to that. It’s a bit difficult to believe that a free offering of this software isn’t exactly what Adobe intended, judging from the download page’s implementation. Users don’t even need to register or sign in to their Adobe account to see the information. The software is no longer supported by Adobe and is essentially being given its final resting place through a serious reduction in DRM restrictions.īut, instead of making users somehow prove they are owners of a legitimate licensed copy, Adobe created a public web page with download links, traditional serial registrations, and a list of serial numbers. This all started when Adobe decided that their outdated software suite no longer warranted the activation servers it requires for license verification.
Why doesn’t Adobe just offer the software for freeĪnd take advantage of the publicity? How did this happen? The download page remains live (with a disclaimer), but because there’s little to stop anyone from downloading and running these programs without purchasing a copy begs the question:
Downloads were only intended for those who had already purchased a CS2 software license and were still running the 7-year-old suite.
Screenshot of the download links and serial numbersĪfter a short while, the page was either taken down or the servers overloaded while Adobe issued statements to clarify that it was NOT, in fact, a free promotional offer.