CompuServe Thread

It all depends on what you consider support…Usually, as you probably have already found out, Autodesk does not "directly" support the user, that responsiblility falls with the authorized dealer. Obviously you will find many different policies among these dealers but for example, the company I work for, Design Systems, offers 30 day free phone support. For customers who for whatever reason require us to install the software we have an hourly rate. Thats the official policy…. Of course if we get a phone call after the initial 30 days regarding a legitimate problem we're not going to turn down a customer's call. No reasonable dealer will turn away a call like that…. The problem is many people expect what amounts to tutoring sessions on the phone for free….3ds is a very stable product and the documentation is second to none….so there really isn't much to worry about unless you have some weird Hardware….BTW you already have access to some of the best Support a customer could ask for ….here on Compuserve….All the heavy hitters like Greg Pyros, Alan Iglesias, & Martin Foster are here and frequently answer questions (Hi guys forgive the plug). Well thats my 2 cents. Good luck. Kim Lee Design Systems

Don Ive gotten the best support Ive ever experienced for any product on this forum. Also, Its a rare dealer that can compete knowledge wise with many of the folks on this forum, and its a lot cheaper than $1000. a year. Ed

You don' need no stinkin' support!!! I have never seen a better-documented product. There are also several books readily available, and of course you've already found AMMEDIA. Take my advice, and use that grand to buy more RAM! SCL

Hi Don, Whether or not you purchase a support contract from Autodesk, this forum is an excellent way for 3ds artists to share information and techniques. 3D is a new media, and just like any new media, the new artists benefit tremendously from hanging around with the masters. -Grant Blaha [ADESK]

Free support ?? I'm not sure what you mean, but if you get through the tutorials and feel free to ask any related question on this forum I think you'll get more support than any other company can give you. Bob Kohl Cedille inc. -Bob Kohl

Don, >> contract from the dealer for about $1000/year. Any comments or thoughts about the support issue? << the dealer should help you through any installation woes, but after that hit the tutorials, hit the 3rd party books, if you like, then ask all the questions you like here. This forum is teeming with practising pros who can help. Most answers come within 24 hours, if you need phone support some folk here have been known to give out their phone number – although I won't.