The perpetual license trap

The perpetual license trap We purchased M-Files in 2014 with a license that explicitly stated "License expires: Never." The subscription was separate — for support and software updates. What M-Files doesn't tell you: every update prompts you to upgrade your vault structure. Decline, and "some features may not work." Accept (as any reasonable user would), and your vault becomes incompatible with older software versions. After 12 years as a customer, we let our subscription lapse. M-Files' response: use your perpetual license with 2014 software. But 2014 software can't read a vault that's been upgraded through 12 years of updates. Our data — stored on our own server — is now inaccessible. This isn't an accident. It's a carefully designed system that renders perpetual licenses worthless while technically "honouring" them. If you're evaluating document management systems, ask M-Files this question: "If I purchase a perpetual license and later stop subscribing, can I still access my data?" Get it in writing. We wish we had.