JAM Software, the developer of disk space analyzer TreeSize, has modified its support structure for perpetual license customers. Beginning in 2025, the company has transitioned most TreeSize editions toward subscription-based models. Currently, perpetual licenses are available only for personal use and include 12 months of updates, support, and access to older versions, with an option to extend the support period at an additional cost.
Once the initial maintenance period expires, customers seeking continued updates and support must now subscribe to the software, even though they own perpetual licenses. The company no longer provides installation files or license keys to users whose support periods have lapsed. When a user’s perpetual license support ended in September, they discovered that updates and support had become available exclusively through subscription. This policy has generated criticism on social media platforms, with some customers expressing frustration at losing access to installer files for software they had purchased outright.
JAM Software justified the change by citing current economic conditions and the need to ensure reliable long-term development and support. Product manager Hendrik Christ explained that maintaining older software versions indefinitely poses security and organizational challenges, as legacy versions may contain known bugs or vulnerabilities. The company maintains that it notifies customers well in advance of their support expiration, advising them to back up installation files and license keys themselves. Regarding refund requests, the company stated that customers retain the perpetual right to use the version they purchased, which satisfied the original agreement.
The shift reflects broader trends in the software industry, where vendors increasingly adopt subscription models to generate predictable recurring revenue streams. While a free version of TreeSize remains available with limited functionality, paid subscriptions are now necessary for full features and business use. The company acknowledged the change has frustrated some customers but emphasized that the subscription model enables consistent development and support quality that one-time purchases cannot reliably provide.
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