Adobe recently discovered a security vulnerability in Photoshop CS5.5 (Mac and Windows) which would allow hackers to gain control of computers that use Adobe’s flagship image editing program to open compromised TIFF files. Photoshop CS5.5 was released one year ago with a price-tag of over $700, replacing Photoshop CS5 as the world-wide, industry-standard image editing software.
Those of us who have used professional software over the past decade or so would naturally expect Adobe to do what any responsible, respectable software company would: release a free security patch for the program. Adobe, though, decided to spurn convention. They did nothing. In fact, they may have done worse than nothing; they publicly reported the existence of the security vulnerability on their website so that any hackers who were uninformed would get a fair shot at making use of it. Adobe’s recommendation? Buy the Photoshop CS6 upgrade for $200 (only available directly from Adobe). Just by coincidence (skoff), Adobe announced the CS5.5 security vulnerability on the same day that CS6 started shipping in the USA.
Surprised? Unfortunately, this move seems to be right in line with Adobe’s recent attitude towards their customers. Earlier this year, the digital-publishing giant faced widespread criticism for their decision (later recanted) to only offer “upgrade” pricing to CS5 and 5.5 users, after many years of allowing upgrades from much older versions. Most notably, Scott Kelby, President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, wrote an open letter to Adobe asking them to reconsider their new policy.
OK, Adobe. You have a right to try to make more money from your existing ranks rather than drawing in more customers with competitive pricing, excellent customer support, and innovative products. Just remember that your customers can vote with their dollars, and in these days of rampant software piracy, their absence of dollars.
However, Adobe, if these words get to you, my suggestion is this: Do the right thing. Either…
- Release a free security patch for affected customers or
- Extend the “free-upgrade to CS6” offer that many CS5.5 buyers have received in recent months to cover all affected customers.
I can only hope that plans for one of these options is already underway, and your failure to mention it to customers was merely an egregious oversight.
It is unfortunate that Adobe’s recent releases should be tarnished by the company’s irresponsible behavior, as Photoshop CS6 is the most upgrade-worthy version since CS2, and InDesign and Dreamweaver CS6 look equally promising. -JMG
