JAM Software, the company behind the disk space analyzer TreeSize, has transitioned its business model to require subscription payments for perpetual license holders seeking continued support and updates beyond their initial maintenance period. The policy shift, which began in 2025, has drawn criticism from users who expected their perpetual licenses to provide ongoing access to the software without additional fees.
Under the new arrangement, TreeSize perpetual licenses are now offered only for personal use and include 12 months of updates, support, and access to older versions plus the license itself. When maintenance periods expire, customers must subscribe to receive further support. According to product manager Hendrik Christ, the company does not plan to discontinue perpetual license sales for TreeSize Personal, but extending support beyond the initial period now requires a subscription to the software.
A significant point of contention involves JAM Software’s policy of not providing backup installation files or license keys to customers whose support has lapsed. The company justified this practice by citing security concerns with older software versions, stating that distributing outdated installers and keys indefinitely poses risks to users, particularly in business environments. Christ indicated this policy predates the shift to subscriptions and reflects the technical and organizational costs of maintaining older versions. The company does notify customers before their maintenance expires, advising them to back up installation files and keys themselves.
Christ attributed the business model change to current economic conditions and the need for predictable revenue streams to support long-term development. He stated the subscription approach provides the financial certainty necessary to maintain quality standards and support business customers reliably. When asked about refund requests, Christ noted that customers retain indefinite use rights to the version they purchased, arguing refunds are not warranted. TreeSize offers a free version with limited functionality, though it lacks features such as duplicate file detection and business use permissions. The shift reflects broader industry trends toward subscription-based models for more predictable revenue.
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