JAM Software, the developer of TreeSize disk space analysis software, has restructured its support policies for perpetual license holders, requiring subscription purchases to maintain access to updates and technical assistance once initial maintenance periods expire. The company has been transitioning most TreeSize editions toward subscription-based models since 2025, though it continues to sell perpetual licenses exclusively for personal use that include 12 months of support and updates.
As perpetual license maintenance periods end, customers are discovering they must subscribe to receive ongoing support and updates for software they previously purchased outright. One user shared documentation indicating their support would expire in September, after which updates and assistance would become unavailable outside of a subscription arrangement. The shift has prompted criticism on social media platforms, with users expressing frustration about being required to pay additional fees for software they already own.
A significant point of contention involves JAM Software’s longstanding refusal to provide backup installation files or license keys to customers whose support periods have lapsed. The company justified this decision by citing security and maintenance concerns, noting that older software versions may contain vulnerabilities or bugs. Hendrik Christ, TreeSize’s product manager, stated that distributing older versions indefinitely would pose risks in business environments and create substantial technical overhead.
Christ attributed the policy changes to current economic conditions and the company’s need to ensure long-term development and support of TreeSize. He emphasized that subscription models provide greater revenue predictability compared to one-time purchases, enabling the company to maintain quality standards for business customers. He also clarified that customers do retain indefinite usage rights to the software versions they purchased, though they lose access to future updates without subscribing.
The TreeSize situation reflects broader industry trends, as software vendors increasingly adopt subscription-based models to secure recurring revenue streams. A free version of TreeSize remains available but lacks advanced features such as duplicate file detection and disk usage comparison tools, and is restricted from business use.
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