Much has been written in recent years about the transition among CAD companies from selling boxes of software to a subscription-based model that provides both software and support services. In the AEC space, Bentley Systems is the clear leader; nearly two-thirds of its annual revenue comes from software subscription.
If you want a glimpse of what that means to the average Bentley user, check this listing of recent expenses approved by New Hampshire Governor John Lynch. New Hampshire is one of the smallest states in the country; its Department of Transportation is sending Bentley a check for $108,251.70. The listing says the payment is "for software, maintenance support services and user group membership with the goal of training and supporting existing Department of Transportation computer aided design and drafting software engineers."
--RSN