JAM Software, the company behind disk space analyzer TreeSize, has shifted its support policies for perpetual license holders, requiring subscription payments to maintain access to updates and customer support once the initial maintenance period expires. The change has generated criticism from existing customers who purchased perpetual licenses with the expectation of indefinite use rights.
Since 2025, JAM Software has been transitioning most TreeSize editions toward subscription-based models. The company now sells perpetual licenses exclusively for personal use, which include 12 months of updates, support, and access to older versions, with options to extend the support period through additional payment. According to product manager Hendrik Christ, perpetual licenses for TreeSize Personal will continue to be offered with no current plans for discontinuation.
A significant source of customer frustration stems from JAM Software’s policy of not providing installation files or license keys to users whose support periods have lapsed. The company sends email notifications before support expires, urging customers to back up their own installation files and keys. However, users contend this practice effectively denies them access to software they have already purchased. Christ acknowledged this is a long-standing policy, explaining that maintaining access to older software versions indefinitely poses security and technical risks, particularly in business environments where outdated versions may contain known vulnerabilities.
Christ attributed the policy shift to current economic conditions, stating the change was necessary to ensure reliable long-term development and support. He noted that subscription models provide greater revenue predictability compared to one-time purchases, allowing the company to maintain quality standards for business customers. When asked about refund requests, Christ stated that customers receive what was agreed upon—indefinite use of purchased software versions—making refunds unwarranted.
The situation reflects broader industry trends toward recurring revenue models. TreeSize offers a free version with limited features unavailable for business use, and free alternatives such as WinDirStat exist in the market. The company’s transition underscores growing tensions between software vendor business model preferences and customer expectations regarding ownership rights associated with perpetual licenses.
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