The Return of Perpetual Licenses: An Alternative to Subscription Fatigue

In recent years, the software industry has been dominated by the Software as a Service (SaaS) model, where users pay monthly or annual subscriptions instead of purchasing and owning software permanently. However, growing dissatisfaction with this model is driving the resurgence of perpetual licenses, offering greater control, long-term savings, and stability for both businesses and individual users.

Disillusionment with the SaaS Model

SaaS was initially praised for its flexibility and continuous access to updates without large upfront costs. However, over time, significant drawbacks have emerged:

• High recurring costs: Over the long term, subscriptions end up costing significantly more than a one-time purchase. What initially seemed like an affordable option becomes a continuous financial burden.
• Lack of control: If a provider changes its terms or increases prices, customers have no choice but to comply or switch platforms—an often costly and complex process. Additionally, forced updates can alter the user experience or remove features without warning.
• Technological dependence: Many companies are frustrated with relying on cloud-based services that can change unilaterally. If a provider shuts down or drastically modifies its offering, users may lose access to essential software.
• Privacy concerns: Many SaaS models collect vast amounts of user data, raising concerns about how personal and business information is stored and used.

ONCE: The Post-SaaS Movement

In response to this dissatisfaction, 37signals has launched ONCE, a new software line that moves away from the SaaS model and returns to the philosophy of pay once, own forever. The idea behind ONCE is simple:

“You used to pay once, install it, and run it. Whether on someone’s computer or a server for everyone, it felt like you owned it. And you did.”

ONCE represents a paradigm shift in the software sector:

• One-time payment: No recurring fees or unexpected charges.
• Visible code: While not open-source, users can audit the code for transparency.
• Self-management: Customers can host and manage their software without third-party dependence, avoiding vendor lock-in.
• Simplicity and efficiency: ONCE aims to deliver functional software without the unnecessary bloat of other products.

Currently, ONCE offers two main products:

1. Campfire: A group chat system similar to Slack or Teams but with a simpler structure and no cloud dependencies. Ideal for businesses that want distraction-free communication without recurring costs.
2. Writebook: A minimalist platform for online book publishing without monthly subscription fees. It provides an easy, hassle-free solution for writers and publishers.

Advantages of Perpetual Licenses

Unlike the SaaS model, perpetual licenses offer clear benefits for businesses and individual users:

• Predictable costs: No arbitrary price hikes or recurring fees. A one-time purchase guarantees indefinite access.
• Ownership and control: Users decide when and how to update their software without being subject to provider decisions.
• Long-term savings: While the initial cost may be higher, over time, it is significantly lower than indefinite subscriptions—especially for freelancers and small businesses.
• Enhanced privacy and security: Since the software does not rely on cloud services, data remains under the user’s control, reducing exposure risks.
• Independence from third parties: There is no risk of the software being discontinued or significantly altered by the provider.

A Shift in Industry Mentality

Companies like Microsoft and Affinity have begun offering perpetual license versions in response to market demand. Microsoft Office 2024, for instance, allows users to make a one-time payment and use the software indefinitely, in contrast to the Microsoft 365 subscription model, which has drawn criticism for its recurring payment structure.

Similarly, tools like Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher have capitalized on Adobe users’ frustration with mandatory Creative Cloud subscriptions, positioning themselves as accessible alternatives with perpetual licenses. Adobe has faced widespread criticism for forcing users into a subscription model, eliminating the option for one-time purchases.

Even in software development, companies like JetBrains have adopted hybrid models where customers can choose between a subscription or a perpetual license with limited updates.

Are We Entering the Post-SaaS Era?

The SaaS model remains beneficial for certain types of software, especially those requiring real-time collaboration or cloud storage. However, growing dissatisfaction among businesses and users is driving a return to a more traditional and sustainable model.

With initiatives like 37signals’ ONCE, the software market is shifting toward a new post-SaaS era, where ownership and control return to users. This transformation not only represents a shift in how companies offer software but also marks a turning point in the relationship between consumers and technology platforms.

In the coming years, we may see more companies adopting hybrid models, offering perpetual licenses alongside optional cloud services, allowing customers to choose the model that best suits their needs.

Ultimately, the future of software is moving toward greater autonomy and transparency, where users regain full control over the tools they depend on.

Leer versión en Español: El regreso de las licencias perpetuas: una alternativa a la fatiga de las suscripciones