JAM Software, the company behind disk space analyzer TreeSize, has modified its support policy for perpetual license holders, requiring subscriptions to continue receiving updates and technical assistance once their initial maintenance periods conclude. The company has been transitioning most TreeSize editions toward subscription-based models since 2025, though perpetual licenses remain available for personal use with 12 months of included support and updates.
The shift has generated customer dissatisfaction, particularly regarding JAM Software’s longstanding practice of not providing installation files or license keys to users whose support periods have expired. According to the company, this restriction exists because older software versions may contain security vulnerabilities or known bugs that pose risks in business environments. The vendor also cited technical and organizational challenges associated with maintaining and distributing outdated versions indefinitely.
Product manager Hendrik Christ stated the change was necessary to ensure reliable development and support given current economic conditions. He emphasized that customers retain the right to use the software versions they purchased and indicated the company proactively notifies users via email before support periods end, encouraging them to create their own backups of installation files and license keys. When asked about refund requests, Christ noted that customers receive what was contractually promised—indefinite use of their purchased version—and therefore refunds are not warranted.
The situation highlights a broader industry trend toward subscription-based revenue models. TreeSize continues to offer a free version with limited functionality, though premium features such as duplicate file search and disk usage comparison over time remain restricted to paid tiers. The transition reflects wider shifts across the software industry toward recurring revenue streams, with vendors citing the need for predictable income to sustain product quality and support standards.
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