Full version load indie files

[Mithril]

My only question would be if a full version can load files from Indie? Because otherwise all that work investment in Indie is in danger of being absolutely worthless after an upgrade to full version.

[siftycat]

You contact SideFX when you upgrade and they can convert your non or limited commercial files to the full versions.

https://www.sidefx.com/faq/question/convert-non-commercial-files-1/

[Mithril]

Ok.. and commercial companies with secret IP for upcoming projects are OK with handing over said content for conversion? (I'm not attacking you though, please keep this in mind... I'm merely stunned by the level of mistrust that policy illustrates)

[siftycat]

SideFX are a company with over two decades in the FX business, whose software is used in major Hollywood projects from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, to AAA gaming studios like Ubisoft and Gearbox. They work with and for these companies and get to see IP worth millions all the time.

A single node locked licence of FX costs $4500, and your Indie licence (and the FX licence) includes a provision for SideFX to audit you to check licencing compliance - as does every other product where you buy a licence, except the wording is actually far less onerous than Autodesk.

Given all that, I doubt they'd be very interested in stealing anyone's IP, firstly because it'd destroy their reputation and secondly because doing something like that would be indefensible. Notwithstanding that we all tend to overvalue our IP anyway. If they even look at any of the files, which they probably don't. It's almost certainly an automated process.

If you don't trust the company you're about to commit $4500+ and a massive part of your daily business to, you could always ask about an NDA. I'm sure when one of the team comes along they'd be more than happy to answer any specifics.

[Ben (SideFX)]

Thanks for the question. Here's the direct response from SideFX Support:

SideFX has a 1-time-only conversion offer for anyone who purchases a permanent Houdini FX or Core license. When this full commercial license is first purchased SideFX will convert as many of their old files and HDAs as they wish. Once this conversion is done, they are on their own after that. A short term rental of FX or Core does not qualify for the conversion offer. This offer is for the first FX/Core purchase only. Details here: https://www.sidefx.com/faq/question/convert-non-commercial-files-1/

Also, a reminder that importing an Indie-made Houdini file or HDA into a full commercial Houdini session will downgrade the session into Indie format.

[Ben (SideFX)]

Originally posted by Mithril:

Ok.. and commercial companies with secret IP for upcoming projects are OK with handing over said content for conversion? (I'm not attacking you though, please keep this in mind... I'm merely stunned by the level of mistrust that policy illustrates)

SideFX promises not to share, release, sell, or publicize your files that are submitted for conversion.

[Mithril]

Thank you Ben for that answer, much appreciated.