Should we buy AutoCAD licenses direct or through a reseller?

For a straightforward LT purchase, direct sounds reasonable if your team is comfortable managing user assignments, renewals and installer packaging. Get a reseller quote too, though. Ask about pricing for the final license count and whether renewal dates can be aligned.

Compare the actual service included, not just the license price. A reseller may offer deployment help or another support tier, but those aren't necessarily worth paying for if you don't need them.

A good reseller can help with more than the purchase. Ask how they handle subscription selection, moving users to named-user licensing, deployment questions and support escalations. If they can't explain what they'll do for you, there's not much reason to add another party.

Keep the old perpetual licenses in mind when comparing costs. New subscriptions are an ongoing expense, and you shouldn't assume the 2011 licenses will qualify for a meaningful discount. Check the terms before giving up anything.

That said, keeping the old version alone doesn't solve your patching requirement. Confirm what your users need from LT and budget for the subscription accordingly.