JAM Software, the company behind disk space analyzer TreeSize, has modified its support policy for perpetual licenses in response to shifting business priorities. Beginning since 2025, the vendor has transitioned most TreeSize editions toward subscription-based models while restricting support and updates for perpetual license holders once their initial maintenance periods conclude.
Under the new arrangement, customers with expiring perpetual licenses face a choice between abandoning further updates and support or transitioning to a subscription model for software they previously owned outright. The company currently limits perpetual license sales to personal use versions, which include 12 months of updates and support. A user on Reddit documented receiving notification that their perpetual license support would terminate in September, with no further access to updates unless they subscribe.
A significant point of contention involves JAM Software’s refusal to provide installation files or license keys to customers whose support periods have lapsed. The company justifies this approach by citing security risks associated with older software versions that may contain unpatched vulnerabilities. Product manager Hendrik Christ explained that maintaining indefinite access to legacy versions presents organizational and technical challenges that the vendor considers impractical.
Critics contend that the policy conflicts with conventional expectations surrounding perpetual licenses, particularly regarding access to software versions already purchased. Christ acknowledged customer frustration while maintaining that perpetual license buyers do receive indefinite use of their original software versions. He stated that proactive email notifications precede the expiration of maintenance periods, giving users opportunity to backup their installation files independently.
The shift reflects broader industry trends toward recurring revenue models. Christ attributed the change to challenging economic conditions requiring greater predictability in development and support activities. JAM Software continues offering a free TreeSize version with limited functionality, though it excludes business use and certain features like duplicate file detection and historical space usage comparison.
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