Adobe plotting cloud-fuelled VAR rebate axe - sources

Cloud subscription model driving channel changes from the summer

Adobe is planning a major channel overhaul in the summer which is set to see resellers' rebates slashed, CRN understands.

Earlier this week, customers were urged to take advantage of an Adobe incentive offering a 40 per cent discount on its Creative Cloud (CC) subscriptions before the vendor stops selling perpetual licences of its Creative Suite on some commercial volume licence programmes at the end of May.

One channel source familiar with the imminent changes said that 1 June will mark a big change in Adobe's channel strategy as well as signalling the end of some perpetual volume licence sales.

CRN understands that Adobe will "severely cut" reseller rebates for Creative Cloud products in June, although exact details remain unclear at the moment.

Adobe was not available to confirm the rumours or comment further on the claims. The source also suggested sales thresholds will be bumped up, making it harder to earn the rebates in the first place.

They said the move reflects a growing anti-channel attitude from Adobe.

"Customers don't have to come through us, there is no reason why they should buy through a reseller," said the source. "Adobe is shifting towards being more direct... It is not good news really.

"They have been very good with channel partners but with subscriptions it's all changed. They want to go more direct."

Deals registered before 1 June will be honoured at the current rebate rate, CRN believes, but those registered after the cut-off point will be subject to the new, lower levels.

Adobe has quickly accelerated its cloud push recently but the move has not gone down well with everyone. Last year its cloud-only model came under fire and a petition calling for it to continue bringing out boxed products gained more than 47,000 signatures.