Going forward, subscribing to Adobe's Creative Cloud service will be the only way to upgrade your software. This significant shift in strategy was announced at Adobe's MAX conference, where it was revealed that boxed versions, along with perpetual licenses, will no longer be available for any Adobe software newer than CS6.

For new users, Adobe offers several different pricing options for Creative Cloud subscriptions. The most affordable option is a monthly subscription of $50 per month, which requires an annual commitment. Alternatively, users can opt for a month-to-month plan at $75 per month. Both plans provide access to the full suite of software, including Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Premiere, and many other applications that have been staples in professional toolboxes for almost a decade.

In addition to the software itself, Creative Cloud subscribers also get 20GB of cloud storage, as well as access to Adobe's Edge services. The full suite of software has been available since September 2003, with many of its individual applications having a history that dates back even further.

This shift towards subscription-based services marks a significant change in the way that Adobe does business. However, for professionals and creative individuals who rely on Adobe's software to do their work, it may also offer more flexibility and cost savings in the long run. By eliminating the need to purchase perpetual licenses or worry about upgrading individual applications, Creative Cloud subscriptions can provide a more streamlined and affordable way to access the tools you need to get the job done.

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