Over the past few weeks, many of our long-time users have shared valuable feedback about the release of Advanced Database Cleaner 4.x, particularly concerning how it impacts existing lifetime (LTD) users of version 3.x.
We want to thank everyone who reached out, shared concerns, and took the time to explain their perspective. This article is meant to clearly explain:
- Our intentions
- Our commitment to LTD users
- The concrete migration options we are implementing
- The exact timeline for this transition
Our goal is simple: to be fair, transparent, and respectful of those who supported us early.
First, a Reminder: Why Version 4.x Is Different
Advanced Database Cleaner 4.x is not a simple update of 3.x.
It was:
- Rebuilt from scratch
- Based on a new architecture
- Designed to support future features that were not technically possible in 3.x
Some of these features (notably Remote Scan) introduce recurring infrastructure and maintenance costs, which make a lifetime model unsustainable for that part of the product.
You can read the technical background here:
Reaction of LTD Users to the Release of Version 4.x
After announcing that Advanced Database Cleaner 4.x has been released as a separate product, we became aware that this decision caused concern and disappointment within part of the LTD community. We fully understand these reactions. Many lifetime users supported the plugin in its early days with the expectation of long-term continuity, and that trust matters deeply to us. In hindsight, we recognize that keeping the same product name while introducing a fundamentally new version may have created confusion and frustration. This transition could have been communicated earlier and more clearly, and we acknowledge that the way it was initially presented was not ideal. Our LTD users are extremely valuable to us, and their feedback has been instrumental in helping us reassess our approach and define a fairer path forward.
Our Commitment to LTD Users
After internal discussions and direct conversations with LTD users, we decided on a solution that:
- Respects your original lifetime purchase
- Gives access to the new 4.x platform
- Remains financially sustainable for the future
This is not a rushed decision. It is a structured transition with multiple choices.
The Migration Plan for LTD Users (Official)
📅 Start date: January 01, 2026. We will begin the transition process.
Phase 1 – Optional Upgrade with 50% Lifetime Discount
From January 01, 2026 → February 28, 2026 (2-month period)
During this initial phase:
- All LTD users will be offered Advanced Database Cleaner 4.x (full version, including the Remote Scan) with a permanent 50% discount:
- 50% off the first purchase
- 50% off all future renewals, forever
This offer will be:
- Clearly communicated by email
- Visible inside the plugin and the user’s account
- Available for a 2-month window
Phase 2 – Preparation of a 4.x Version Without the Remote Scan
While Phase 1 is active, we will:
- Prepare and finalize a special 4.x version without Remote Scan
- Ensure it includes:
- The modern 4.x interface
- All core cleanup, optimization, and performance features
- Ongoing updates and improvements
This version is designed specifically for LTD users, without recurring-cost features. It will contain all 4.x features except the remote scan feature.
Phase 3 – Migration for Remaining LTD Users
Target date: March 01, 2026
After the 2-month upgrade window:
- All remaining LTD users still on 3.x will get a notification to update to:
- Advanced Database Cleaner 4.x (without Remote Scan)
Important notes:
- You will get notified about the update as usual. Once updated, your version will change from 3.x to 4.x
- Your license remains valid
- You gain access to the modern 4.x plugin
- You are not forced into a subscription with recurring costs
Permanent Upgrade Option After Migration
After the migration is completed, LTD users running version 4.x without Remote Scan or 3.x will continue to have the ability to upgrade at any time to the full 4.x version, including Remote Scan, with a lifetime 25% discount applied to all renewals.
Summary of Your Options
As an LTD user, you will have two clear paths:
- Upgrade to FULL 4.x, including the Remote Scan feature
→ 50% lifetime discount (if you purchase during the initial 2-month window)
→ 25% lifetime discount afterward - Move to 4.x without the Remote Scan feature
→ No additional cost
Communication & Transparency
We will:
- Notify all LTD users by email
- Display notices inside the plugin
- Publish follow-up documentation and FAQs
- Actively participate in LTD communities to answer questions
A Final Word
We deeply value our early supporters.
Lifetime users helped shape Advanced Database Cleaner into what it is today, and we are committed to honoring that trust while ensuring the product remains viable and innovative in the long term.
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are listening, and we will continue to do better.
Thank you for being part of the SigmaPlugin community.
—
Younes
Founder, SigmaPlugin
2 comments
Strange that I've never heard about this update... Did you send emails about it?
I think that what you offer is very good, taking into account the LTD and surely having two versions will create also costs for you, so really appreciate what you are doing here. In a world where there's a bunch of LTDs rising and falling every week, it's a good point for you to treat us as good as you do.
Honestly, I don't know yet if I'll upgrade, as it's still $75US (i.e. more than a hundred dollars for me in Canada) per year, and this is for a feature that I currently don't have and still wonder how much of a benefit it is (of course, I understand there IS a benefit, especially for people already paying... but is it worth $75/year?)...
But again, thank you for all your work and for the benefit you give us!
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment and for taking the time to share your feedback 😊
Just to clarify: we have not sent any emails yet. At the moment, we are still carefully preparing the full migration process to make sure everything is clear, fair, and technically smooth for all LTD users. Once this process is fully ready, we will notify all LTD users by email and also communicate clearly inside the plugin and on our website.
Our goal is to make this transition as respectful and transparent as possible for our long-time supporters. We truly appreciate your understanding and your trust while we finalize the details.
Concerning the Remote Scan, it allows the plugin to enhance the local scan results by performing additional analysis on our server's side, which helps identify categorization and orphaned items more accurately, especially in complex or heavily customized setups. Based on our internal metrics, we already see that new users are extensively using this feature, as reflected by the number of remote scan calls we receive.
That said, it’s important to clarify that Remote Scan is completely optional.
The local scan already detects categorization and orphaned items, just like in previous versions. Remote Scan is meant as an extra layer of precision, not a requirement to use the plugin effectively.
If you’d like to understand exactly how Remote Scan works and why it improves accuracy, you can read the full explanation here:
👉 https://docs.sigmaplugin.com/article/57-the-remote-scan-in-advanced-database-cleaner-precision-meets-security
I hope this helps clarify things, and please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions.