[Info-vax] c 7.3 - Why MAYLOSEDATA3 for long pointer math?

[JF Mezei]

On 15-03-15 13:47, David Froble wrote:

> Perhaps it's an incorrect assumption, but I'd assume that when VSI has 
> it's new versions out, they'd be free to distribute patches and such for 
> their stuff. 

Not sure there is an obvious answer to this.

Say VSI releases VMS 9.0. It will be able to sell it to customers on
x86, as well as IA64-Poulson and IA64-Kittson (should it even come to
market).

But HP could then get rights to sell it to older IA64s as well as Alpha
customers.

Logically, patch distribution to VSI customers would be as per VSI
policies, but to HP customers, would be as per HP policies.

So to protect HP's rights, VSI would have to ensure that patches for 9.0
are distributed to only its onw customers with its own policoes and
ensure HP's policies are protected.

So if nothing prevents hobbysist from getting the patches for
IA64-Poulson and applying it to their old IA64, then HP wouldn't be happy.

When it comes to the 8086 though, patches could be made freely available
without any damages to HP's policies since it would be a distinct market
where HP has no VMS customers, so free distribution would not harm HP.