Overview
Autodesk has introduced a new Autodesk Platform Services (APS) business model that changes how customers access, evaluate, and manage APS capabilities. As part of this transition, Autodesk is sharing customer perspectives to help others understand how these changes are being experienced in practice. This spotlight shares feedback from AtkinRéalis on two features introduced with the recent APS business model update: Developer Hub and the new Free Tier.
Developer Hub: Centralized Visibility and Administration
As part of the new APS business model, applications are managed through Developer Hub, a central place for application setup and usage visibility. For organizations working across multiple teams, this provides a clearer way to understand how APS APIs are being used.
The AtkinRéalis team noted that, prior to this change, visibility into APS usage was limited. Centralizing applications and usage data has helped them better understand adoption patterns and manage access across teams.
“APS Hub is something we’d been asking for from an administration point of view, because we had no visibility into how APS was being used. Having everything centralized—and being able to see API usage—has been extremely helpful.”
— Gayle Davie, Product Management Director, AtkinRéalis
Free Tier: Supporting Early Testing and Evaluation
Under the updated APS business model, a Free Tier is available on an ongoing basis for early evaluation, with monthly usage limits. In the past, customers received a time-bound trial to test APIs that required usage-based billing. After that trial ended, testing additional or newly introduced APIs of this type typically required paid access.
AtkinRéalis shared that the shift to an ongoing Free Tier has made early experimentation easier to justify internally, particularly when teams are still determining feasibility and value. The ability to test ideas, validate workflows, and build early prototypes within defined usage limits supports more informed decision-making before moving to broader usage.
“Free Tier has been really helpful for testing. In the past, testing was paid and harder to justify. Now it’s easier to test ideas, create MVPs, show value, and then move toward an actual product.”
— P R Dharshan, APS Developer, AtkinRéalis
Takeaway
As customers adapt to the new APS business model, examples like AtkinRéalis provide practical context for how Developer Hub and Free Tier are being used in real-world scenarios. Their feedback reflects common needs around evaluation and governance that many APS customers share. Developer Hub supports clearer application management and visibility, while Free Tier supports early testing and evaluation, helping teams assess APS capabilities before making longer-term decisions.
To learn more about the APS business model update, see the full overview here:
https://aps.autodesk.com/blog/aps-business-model-evolution