And sometimes vendors license the same product differently to different
customers due to varying customer requirements. For example, a vendor may
have a source escrow agreement with some customers, but not others. Many
times, the terms of the license change as the result of negotiations
between the vendor and individual customers.

At 09:12 AM 10/25/2002 -0400, Jonathan M. Backus wrote:
>John,
>
>         I've found software licensing in general to be very "non-standard".
>
>* Some vendors you buy a copy of the software and source.
>* Some vendors are effectively renting you the use of there software.  If
>you don't renew annual support the software will stop working.  If you
>renew, they send you a new key (sometimes hidden in an annual update).
>* Some vendors escrow their software source and write into the agreement
>that should they exit the market for any reason (migration to another
>platform, out of business, etc.) the source code will be released to the
>customer.
>* Some vendors sell you a copy of the executable software locked to an
>HPSUSAN/HPCPUNAME, but it will work forever (as long as you use that
>HPSUSAN/HPCPUNAME box).  However, there are is no protection or access to
>source if the vendor exits the market.
>* and I'm sure there are other scenarios that I don't recall...
>
>Thanx,
>         Jon
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: OpenMPE Support Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
>John Zoltak
>Sent: Friday, October 25, 2002 8:33 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [OPENMPE] A No for SSConfig
>
>
>I haven't read any software licenses recently. Do most of the HP3000
>software vendors provide perpetual licenses? Or are they "You can use the
>software for as long as we say" type. And if they are perpetual, how can a
>vendor not provide ongoing help when a key change is required because of a
>hardware replacement? And if they are not perpetual, can't the vendors just
>say, Upgrade time! Everybody's license has expired please buy new software.
>
>John Zoltak
>North American Mfg Co
>4455 East 71st Street
>Cleveland Ohio 44105
>216-206-5510
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Lars Appel [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: Friday, October 25, 2002 5:27 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: A No for SSConfig
>
>
>Cecile wrote:
>
> > ... There's no need to protect against piracy
> > if you're getting out of the market anyway.
>
>Unless you're trying to force as many people as possible
>to buy your then-new migration or replacement product !?
>
>Lars.

--------------------------------
Tom Brandt
Northtech Systems, Inc.
313 N. 1st Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
http://www.northtech.com/