Introducing Logos Cloud

Phil Gons (Logos)
Phil Gons (Logos) Administrator, Logos Employee Posts: 3,799
edited November 20 in English Forum

Powerful, affordable, subscription-based digital Bible study tools and content are coming soon!

Read below for a high-level overview of what that means, or visit LogosCloud.com to try it for free.

What is it?

Logos Cloud is essentially just subscription-based access to Logos Bible Software tools and content.

Logos Cloud libraries aren't identical to Logos 6 base packages. They're very different, with a heavy focus on our own content. We've also partnered initially with Baker, Wipf & Stock, Eisenbrauns, and The Gospel Coalition (a few other publishers are considering joining as well). We envision many more publishers joining in the coming months. In addition to this content, we've added various amounts of public domain content to make sure we have all the key categories covered appropriately in each library.

Logos Cloud libraries are dynamic, not static. They'll get bigger and better over time, with new additions on a regular basis. Occasionally books might need to come out (almost always at the request of a publisher), but mainly we'll be adding more books in.

In terms of apps—desktop vs. mobile vs. web—there's not really a difference between Logos 6 base packages and Logos Cloud, with the exception that the web app requires a Now or Cloud subscription. (Eventually, we think Logos Cloud subscribers will primarily access the tools and content through our new web app. Initially, though, they'll likely use the desktop software primarily, since the web app is just an early beta at this point.)

Logos Cloud will also include the membership benefits of Logos Now, though not all benefits will be included in all levels.

How many options are there?

We're launching with four levels of Logos Cloud: $8.99/mo., $19.99/mo., $49.99/mo., and $99.99/mo. We'll present the first three and make the fourth available to existing subscribers and through a special product page.

Verbum will likely follow a similar approach with Verbum Cloud (though they'll probably trail behind Logos Cloud a bit). We'll also have Cloud options for Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Chinese, etc., but not initially. We're not sure on the timeframes yet. We don't have immediate plans for Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Orthodox, Pentecostal & Charismatic, Reformed, SDA, etc., but that could change.

Like with Logos 6 base packages, we'll tier both library and functionality.

  1. The $8.99/mo. option will give you the equivalent functionality and library size of Bronze.
  2. The $19.99/mo. option will give you the equivalent functionality of Silver and a Gold-sized library.
  3. The $49.99/mo. option will give you all functionality and a Diamond-sized library.
  4. The $99.99/mo. option will give you all functionality and a library the size of Collector's Edition.

Who is it for?

For now, Logos Cloud is at a new audience—people who have many of the following characteristics:

  1. don't currently own a Logos base package or a have a large Logos library
  2. aren't subscribing to Logos Now
  3. aren't committed to ownership as a model for building their Bible study library but instead prefer to pay for access to a service
  4. want lower upfront risk and less longterm commitment
  5. can't use our desktop software or have a preference for web apps over desktop apps (though this will be less true initially)
  6. have a hard justifying the investment in a Logos base package, but want to upgrade from various free Bible study tools—or are ready to go beyond print into the world of digital Bible study

It's not initially aimed at existing Logos customers, most of whom probably prefer to own their libraries. For example, Logos Cloud libraries don't currently support dynamic pricing. This may change eventually, but we don't have a timeframe for it yet.

We'll initially be focusing the majority of our marketing on non-Logos customers. Our primary aim is to reach a brand new market with Cloud that we've not been able to reach with our purchase/ownership model.

When will it be available?

Phase 1 (May 19–May 31)

We'll launch LogosCloud.com and let people sign up to be the first to participate in Logos Cloud. Everyone who joins during this time will get access to the $49.99/mo. library for the month of June. We'll encourage everyone to invite their friends to sign up to join the preview period.

Phase 2 (June 1–June 30)

Everyone who signed up to participate will be able to start using the $49.99/mo. level and will be able to continue to send invites to their friends. We'll be extending invites and letting more people in throughout the month.

Phase 3 (July 1– )

Logos Cloud will be live and available to the general public. Everyone will be able to start their first month free, even if they participated in the early access in June. After that free month, you'll be billed at the monthly or annual rate of your choice.

What does Logos Cloud mean for existing base package owners?

As we've indicated elsewhere, we have no plans to discontinue the current model of purchase and ownership in favor of subscription access. We're viewing Logos Cloud as a new offering to a new audience that will live in harmony alongside the model we've supported for nearly 23 1/2 years.

While Logos Cloud isn't directly for existing base package owners (we recommend that existing base package owners choose a Logos Now subscription), the existence of Logos Cloud benefits everyone. We plan to allocate a certain percent of Cloud revenue to fund new content. This means we'll be able to build new features and data projects, create Lexham publications, produce Pre-Pub and Community Pricing titles, and scan more book facsimiles faster than we can today.

You Logos base package owners can help make this a reality by inviting your friends who fit the profile above to try Logos Cloud for free during the preview period.

What's the difference between Logos Now and Logos Cloud?

Logos Now is a supplemental product/service for Logos 6 base package owners. It supplements your library and provides you with access to the new features, datasets, media, and interactives that drive the core functionality of the software.

Logos Cloud is a base package replacement for a new audience that prefers subscription to ownership.

Here’s a table that compares them:

Now

Cloud

How many product levels?

1

4

What's the entry price?

$8.99/mo.

$8.99/mo.

What's the top-end price?

$8.99/mo.

$99.99/mo.

What is the primary buyer type?

people who prefer to own their books

people who prefer to rent (primarily or exclusively)

Who is the audience?

current and future base package owners

new customers who prefer renting and web apps

What is the product?

all the new features, datasets, media, and interactives since Logos 6, plus membership benefits

tiered functionality + tiered library + membership benefits

What is it analogous to?

the next version of Feature Crossgrade

base packages

Where can I learn about it?

https://www.logos.com/now

https://logoscloud.com/

What's the main benefit?

early access to new content and tools

a comprehensive, accessible, and affordable Bible study toolset and library

What's the relationship to base packages?

it supplements a base package

it replaces a base package

Which will be the primary app used?

desktop app

web app (eventually)

Can I subscribe to Logos Now and Logos Cloud?

While it is technically possible, we don't recommend it. They're not designed to be compatible. Someone may choose the $8.99/mo. Cloud level and the $8.99/mo. Now subscription to get access to all of the new features. Our recommendation for most people is to choose a Logos 6 base package plus Now subscription or a Logos Cloud subscription.

How will my Logos Cloud library relate to books I own/purchase?

You have one account with one pool of licensed content. The items you purchase will be permanently owned; the items you subscribe to will be accessible as long as you continue to subscribe (though, like most content libraries, some items might be removed at the publisher's request). So whether you already have a library of owned resource or you're new to Cloud and want to add additional resources to your library that aren't part of your Cloud library, you'll be able to access the sum total of those resources through our various apps (keeping in mind that the web app at app.logos.com requires a subscription to use). So we invite you to use a combination of subscription and ownership to build the perfect library for you.

Do I need an internet connection to use Logos Cloud?

Logos Cloud, which is essentially just subscription access to Logos Bible Software, doesn't require any more internet access than purchasing and owning a Logos 6 base package. Some features require internet access to use (e.g., Media Browser, Visual Copy, Atlas), but most work just fine offline.

The new Logos web app, which Logos Now and Logos Cloud subscribers get access to, does require internet access to use. There's no offline mode for the web app.

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Learn more at LogosCloud.com and in the Logos Cloud Faithlife group.

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We'll follow up with additional FAQs shortly to address some of the major questions that arise.

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Comments

  • Bruce Dunning
    Bruce Dunning MVP Posts: 11,142

    Even though I would personally prefer to own resources, this looks like  a great option for some people. This should create a new Logos audience which will expand the Logos community and benefit us all. Well done!

    Using adventure and community to challenge young people to continually say "yes" to God

  • David Taylor, Jr.
    David Taylor, Jr. Member Posts: 4,377 ✭✭✭

    Even though I would personally prefer to own resources, this looks like  a great option for some people. This should create a new Logos audience which will expand the Logos community and benefit us all. Well done!

    Agreed, I believe this was also a heavy request when Logos Now was first announced. Good move Faithlife! [y]

  • Jonathan Pitts
    Jonathan Pitts Member Posts: 670 ✭✭

    Very clearly written, Phil.

  • Gene Townsend
    Gene Townsend Member Posts: 3

    Sold on the new Logos Cloud. How do I sign up?

  • Phil Gons (Logos)
    Phil Gons (Logos) Administrator, Logos Employee Posts: 3,799

    Sold on the new Logos Cloud. How do I sign up?

    Visit LogosCloud.com, click the Sign Up button, and follow the instructions. You'll be notified on June 1 when the free early access period opens up.

  • Daniel Radke
    Daniel Radke Member Posts: 235 ✭✭

    Thank you for the detailed and clear explanation. Much appreciated. [:)]

    eChristianResources.com - Connecting Christians With Quality Evangelical Resources Available For FREE On The Internet (including links to free Logos/Vyrso resources!)

  • abondservant
    abondservant Member Posts: 4,796 ✭✭✭

    Will there by dynamic pricing for those who have (since diamond was tossed out there) invested heavily in base packages?

    L2 lvl4 (...) WORDsearch, all the way through L10,

  • SteveHD
    SteveHD Member Posts: 535 ✭✭

    I don't think they are marketing this to existing owners.

  • Andrew Batishko
    Andrew Batishko Member, Administrator, Community Manager, Logos Employee Posts: 5,395

    Will there by dynamic pricing for those who have (since diamond was tossed out there) invested heavily in base packages?

    From the original post:

    It's not initially aimed at existing Logos customers, most of whom probably prefer to own their libraries. For example, Logos Cloud libraries don't currently support dynamic pricing. This may change eventually, but we don't have a timeframe for it yet.

    Andrew Batishko | Logos software developer

  • abondservant
    abondservant Member Posts: 4,796 ✭✭✭

    Thanks Andrew. I (clearly) missed the part about no dynamic pricing.

    Thanks!

    L2 lvl4 (...) WORDsearch, all the way through L10,

  • οσκόλλμος
    οσκόλλμος Member Posts: 15

    Will there be some "wiggle room" (ability to tailor content) with the Cloud Options? Suggestion: Offer the ability, at the higher subscription levels, to customize content. One would have the corresponding Logos framework of functionality and features -- but the ability to select from a pool of recourses. This could be done by giving the subscriber N credits to "spend" on items in the recourse pool.

  • Bradley Grainger (Logos)
    Bradley Grainger (Logos) Administrator, Logos Employee Posts: 11,969

    apeiron said:

    Will there be some "wiggle room" (ability to tailor content) with the Cloud Options?

    There won't be any customisation in the initial launch of Logos Cloud.

    Thanks for the suggestion.

  • Kevin A. Purcell
    Kevin A. Purcell Member Posts: 3,408 ✭✭✭

    I understand that this is for new users primarily. My hope: you will offer dynamic pricing for those who already OWN a lot of the Cloud content and want to rent the rest.

    For example, I own the Platinum Base Collection. Maybe I'd like to rent at the $50 or $100/month level, but it would be awesome if I could get in at a $20 or $50/month rate since I've already paid for about half of the content in those Cloud levels.

    The prices may vary. I'm using the above as figures I know would entice me to jump from Logos Now to Logos Cloud since I'm not getting as much new as the typical Cloud target customer since I already own a lot of it.

    Just a suggestion.

    Dr. Kevin Purcell, Director of Missions
    Brushy Mountain Baptist Association

    www.kevinpurcell.org

  • Kevin A. Purcell
    Kevin A. Purcell Member Posts: 3,408 ✭✭✭

    The Logos Cloud page says that the $20/month version is like getting Essentials library and features. What's that? Isn't that what used to be one of the base packages but they replaced it? Then we learn that the $50/month version is like getting Essentials and Plus. What's in Plus? Did the writer of this page mistakenly use old base package names?

    Forget it. I saw that the names of the two lower levels of access are called PLUS and ESSENTIALS.

    Dr. Kevin Purcell, Director of Missions
    Brushy Mountain Baptist Association

    www.kevinpurcell.org

  • Gene Townsend
    Gene Townsend Member Posts: 3

    About 10 years ago, I bought the silver Logos package. One thing I did not like about purchasing the items is that new products were always coming along. Also, every time I had to buy a new computer, I had to reinstall my Logos materials. Doing that required having to call Logos, find product keys and so on. Finally, I just quit reinstalling Logos when I purchased a new computer. The past three years or so, I have purchased several 'cloud' products. I use    G-mail, which is a cloud product. 

    Now that Logos is offering a cloud product, I plan to buy it. My materials will forever be placed on the cloud. When I buy a new computer, I won't have to reinstall my materials. If my computer dies, and I have to borrow one, or even go to the library to use one of theirs, I will be able to access my Logos products since it is on the cloud, of course after providing appropriate pass words and so on.

    The cloud offering is what brought me back into the Logos fold. I am not a new customer, but the cloud product now meets my needs. I do feel empathy with those who have purchased Logos with it residing on their hard drive. If they would now prefer the cloud product, how can they get there from here without losing all the money they already paid. Could Logos give these people a window where they would be given a sizeable credit (a year free???) if they switched to the cloud. Would these people have to disable the product on their hard drive?

    I don't pretend to know the answers to these questions. Maybe this forum can provide some good suggestions to the Logos management. I do know that I am very happy that Logos is now being offered on the cloud. My silver product, residing on DVD's, but not loaded on my computer, is now about 8 years old. I do not expect any remuneration from Logos before I switch to the cloud product. 

    For newcomers to Logos, I believe the cloud will be a good product for them. For some old timers such as myself, the cloud is a good product. For those having spent a fair amount of money to load it on their computers, and now would like the cloud product, Logos management will just have to sort that issue out.

     

  • MJ. Smith
    MJ. Smith MVP Posts: 53,396

    The cloud offering is what brought me back into the Logos fold. I am not a new customer, but the cloud product now meets my needs. I do feel empathy with those who have purchased Logos with it residing on their hard drive. If they would now prefer the cloud product, how can they get there from here without losing all the money they already paid. Could Logos give these people a window where they would be given a sizeable credit (a year free???) if they switched to the cloud. Would these people have to disable the product on their hard drive?

    If you go with the Logos Now version of the Cloud you will have access to everything you have purchased in the past. Talk with someone at Logos to make sure that you get the best of both worlds.

    Logos Now and Logos Cloud run the same web application. Logos Now is for those who already own resources. Logos Cloud is for those who do not.

    Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."

  • Mark Smith
    Mark Smith MVP Posts: 11,798

    Now that Logos is offering a cloud product, I plan to buy it. My materials will forever be placed on the cloud

    Gene, actually Logos 6 (and earlier versions back to Logos 4) work this way already. No DVDs. No product ID codes.

    If you were to download and install the free Logos 6 engine then log in with your Logos ID (the email address associated with your original purchase), Logos 6 will automatically download your resources. See https://www.logos.com/install for the free engine.

    You can also use Biblia.com to access your Silver resources from other computers.

    So what you anticipate with Logos Cloud is already available. Logos Cloud just lets you get a bundle of resources by rental.

    I'd encourage you to download and install Logos 6 and give the new easy way of installing your resources on your computer a try.

    Pastor, North Park Baptist Church

    Bridgeport, CT USA

  • David Paul
    David Paul Member Posts: 6,003 ✭✭✭

    Suppose someone gets a Logos Cloud subscription, but wants a variety of resources that aren't part of their package. Can they add these to what they have in some fashion (i.e. additional rental or purchase)?

    ASUS  ProArt x570s Creator, AMD R9 5950x, HyperX 64gb 3600 RAM, ASUS Strix RTX 2080 ti

    "The Unbelievable Work...believe it or not."  Little children...Biblical prophecy is not Christianity's friend.

  • Chris duMond (Faithlife)
    Chris duMond (Faithlife) Member, Logos Employee Posts: 152

    Yes. You would simply purchase a resource from the Logos.com store just like you do today. They would then OWN that resource, regardless of whether they kept subscribing to Logos Cloud or not. Logos Cloud will be able to read that resource in addition to the Logos Cloud library. 

  • Anne Garber Kompaore
    Anne Garber Kompaore Member Posts: 3

    I own a lot of resources already (over 2k), but I occasionally would like to check out books I do not currently have, when researching a specific issue. It is impossible to buy everything that one could possibly use for research. This would be a wonderful supplement to my current Logos and my print library, for myself who lives in West Africa. It would allow me to do more thorough research (I am writing a commentary for Bible translators, articles, developing resources for Bible translators) almost as if I was sitting in a major Biblical studies library. But I would like access to ALL available resources. However the price for access to a high level of resources would be just too steep for me, as I would not be using it every month. 99$ a month makes it over $1000 a year! I might as well buy the books I need at that price! 

    Is there any way to rethink how a Logos Cloud Library could be more accessible and more affordable to someone like me?

    Anne G Kompaore agkompaore@gmail.com

    WordShare Resources and Services

    Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 

  • Lynden O. Williams
    Lynden O. Williams MVP Posts: 8,979

    Welcome to the forums Anne. Have you looked at the rental option to see if it satisfies your needs? Presently only a few publishers have come on board with Logos Cloud, but I believe over time more of them will and the price can hopefully drop for yourself and others. 

    Logos Rentals may be what you are interested in. https://www.logos.com/products/search?Product+Type=Rental&start=0&sort=bestselling&pageSize=60 

    Mission: To serve God as He desires.

  • SteveF
    SteveF Member Posts: 1,866 ✭✭✭

    I realize that the word/code "rentals" is in that address, but it just takes me to a regular sales page--at least there is no visible mention there of rentals. Someone on these forums wrote that the rentals links are "dead."?

    Regards, SteveF

  • David Taylor, Jr.
    David Taylor, Jr. Member Posts: 4,377 ✭✭✭

    SteveF said:

    I realize that the word/code "rentals" is in that address, but it just takes me to a regular sales page--at least there is no visible mention there of rentals. Someone on these forums wrote that the rentals links are "dead."?

    If you click on those titles they have a rent option.
  • Gene Townsend
    Gene Townsend Member Posts: 3

    I just downloaded the Logos 6 engine. I have an old series that is basically the equivalent of the current Logos Bronze. In this package, I own several special add ons such as the NIV bible, the 38 vol. set of the Church Fathers, the Pulpit Commentary, and others. However, my old package does not have a lot of the features of current Logos packages. Question: if I subscribe to the Logos Cloud, the Bronze equivalent, and pay the 8.99 a month, will the Logos Cloud pull over my already paid for add ons such as the NIV Bible, the Pulpit Commentary, the Church Fathers and others at no additional cost? 

  • MJ. Smith
    MJ. Smith MVP Posts: 53,396

    Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."

  • Sean Emslie
    Sean Emslie Member Posts: 32

    Phil,

    It would be great to get a listing of resources in the 4 levels of Logos Cloud.

    Looking forward to the list.

    MA in Christian Studies - Emphasis in Pastoral Ministry, Grand Canyon University

    Logos 6, Logos Now

  • Dave Mackey
    Dave Mackey Member Posts: 33

    Just want to add my voice to the chorus indicating interest in an eventual dynamic option that would offer reduced cloud subscriptions to those of us who prefer owning resources.

    - http://www.davemackey.net/ - Central hub of all things Dave.

    - http://www.opensourcescriptures.com/ - Open Source Scripture Translation.

  • David Manning
    David Manning Member Posts: 127 ✭✭

    Like with Logos 6 base packages, we'll tier both library and functionality.

    1. The $8.99/mo. option will give you the equivalent functionality and library size of Bronze.
    2. The $19.99/mo. option will give you the equivalent functionality of Silver and a Gold-sized library.
    3. The $49.99/mo. option will give you all functionality and a Diamond-sized library.
    4. The $99.99/mo. option will give you all functionality and a library the size of Collector's Edition.

    What about Pre-Pay options for cheaper discounts?

    MacBook Pro 15" Retina 1TB Flash 2.8 Quad i7 16 GB Ram OSX 12.1

    iMac 27"3.2 GHz Intel Core i5 - 32 GB Ram 12.1

  • Chris duMond (Faithlife)
    Chris duMond (Faithlife) Member, Logos Employee Posts: 152

    What about Pre-Pay options for cheaper discounts?

    Hi Dave, 

    Good question. We'll offer the option to pay for each tier of Logos Cloud up front annually.  

    1. $8.99/mo.  or $89.99/yr
    2. $19.99/mo. or $199.99/yr
    3. $49.99/mo. or $499.99/yr 
    4. $99.99/mo. or $999.99/yr

    When you pay monthly, you will start the first 30 days free.

    When you pay annually, you don't get technically get "the first month free" (because we charge you up front) but it's the equivalent of getting two months free every year.