An Update on the Company and jv16 PowerTools Pricing

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a couple of important updates with you – because transparency is important, and because you deserve to know what’s going on behind the scenes.

A New Chapter: Great Software Company

You might’ve noticed some changes recently: different names on websites and digital signatures, for example. That’s because Macecraft Software is winding down, and I’ve started a new company: Great Software Company.

Macecraft Software was the company I originally co-founded, and where jv16 PowerTools got its start. After more than 20 years, we decided – amicably – that it was time to close that chapter. It’s been a long and great journey, but perspectives change, and this decision reflects that.

Still, I’m not done building great software. Far from it.

That’s why I created Great Software Company. As the name suggests (and yes, I may have taken the easy route on naming), the goal is simple: to continue building high-quality software with a fresh start and a more sustainable structure.

The new company is based in Estonia, home to companies like Skype, Wise, and Bolt. I’m hoping some of that Estonian startup magic rubs off.

So, what does this mean for you?

In short: nothing changes for you.

All Macecraft Software products and licenses are now part of Great Software Company. If you have a Lifetime license from the Macecraft days, it’ll continue working exactly the same way with all future versions.

A Change in jv16 PowerTools Pricing

One change I am making is to the licensing model for jv16 PowerTools: going forward, we’ll no longer offer a yearly license. It’ll be Lifetime only.

Here’s why:

1. Lifetime licenses offer better value
   You get all future updates, and your license stays valid forever. If something ever stops working, just reach out – we’ll fix it.
2. Yearly licenses are a pain (for both of us)
   Yes, they generate regular income. But they also create customer support chaos – mainly because people forget they signed up. They see an unexpected renewal charge, panic, and call their bank. The result? A chargeback. And for small businesses, chargebacks are expensive. Each one comes with a penalty fee, and those can stack up fast.

So while this pricing change may seem small, it helps us protect the long-term health of the company and stay focused on improving the product.

Already have a yearly license?

If you have a yearly license, it will continue to work until its expiry date, but it will not be automatically extended or renewed.

If you want to keep using jv16 PowerTools, I’d recommend switching to a Lifetime license instead. The Lifetime license stays valid forever and includes future updates at no additional cost.

All yearly license owners are eligible for an offer to get a Lifetime license at a 50% discounted price ($ 24.50 instead of the regular price of $49). Feel free to contact us to claim this offer.

Change is rarely simple, but I believe these steps set us up for a stronger future and help us keep delivering software you can count on.

Thanks, as always, for being part of the journey. If you have any feedback, questions, or just want to say hi, you can reach us at hello@greatsoftwarecompany.com.

Best Regards,