Here was the relevant page from the MYOB.co.uk website in 2009. Pay attention to phrases like 'won't ever charge a fee for the process of validating your company file' simply haven't been met.  Notice the 'escrow arrangement for the activation/confirmation software'.

Q: How can I be sure that MYOB won't use the activation/confirmation service to force me to upgrade my software?

A: The process of activation/confirmation is independent of any changes to the software in the future. MYOB will continue to confirm a particular version of the software for a minimum period of 6 years from the first release of the 2004 versions of the MYOB accounting software. We believe that this is a generous period given the substantial changes to business regulations and processes that occur in that period. We believe that every business will have changed their business needs, their software and their computer system during this period.

Q: How can I be sure that MYOB won't at some point in the future choose to charge for the process of validation?

A: MYOB won't ever charge a fee for the process of validating your company file. To do so would go against our company values and damage our good reputation.

Q: What happens if MYOB goes out of business?

A: MYOB is a public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. As such it operates under considerable regulatory review. MYOB does not have any debt, is cash-flow positive, and presently has cash and investments of around US$30M. As such, MYOB is a solid organization that operates from a firm financial footing.

For further information about the MYOB group and its financial strength, see our MYOB Investor Relations area.

As further assurance to customers, MYOB is in the process of investigating an escrow arrangement for the activation/confirmation software. This means that this code is in the hands of a trusted and reputable third party. In the unlikely event of MYOB being placed into liquidation or administration, the code would be available to generate the necessary unlock codes.constitutes the entire agreement between the Publisher and the Licensee and any prior representations, statement or undertaking howsoever made are expressly cancelled. No amendment or modification to this Licence shall be valid unless it shall be in writing and signed by an authorised representative of the Publisher.

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