[Info-vax] The VSI Hobbyist program is Live!

[David Goodwin]

On Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 4:36:56 AM UTC+12, John H. Reinhardt wrote:
> I know it's been mentioned in another thread but I thought it deserved a separate one of it's own.
> 
> Camiel announced on the DEC Computer Users Facebook page <https://www.facebook.com/groups/DEC.users/> and the OpenVMS Facebook page <https://www.facebook.com/groups/308062552560462/> that the VSI OpenVMS Community License Program is open for business.
> 
> The VSI News entry is here: https://vmssoftware.com/about/news/2020-07-28-community-license/?fbclid=IwAR2BDg5QflHaGTtfMbTcgqe2BK0B-MBy7pPtnCuCiYHC6GUE84uMva9hnJw
> 
> The VSI application page is here: https://vmssoftware.com/services/community-license/
> The Community License Agreement is here: https://vmssoftware.com/services/community-license/agreement/
> 
> 
> Some discussion has already started about the terms which include mention of running only one copy at a time.  I don't know how that can work out with a VMScluster.
> 

Why is registration necessary? Given I can download and install linux (and even Windows!) without filling out any forms why does VSI insist on it?

How many people are going to think about giving it a try only to be put off by a registration form and having to mess around with license PAKs? Seems like an unnecessary barrier to me. 

If getting it in as many hands as possible to grow the number of OpenVMS users is the goal an ISO with the licenses pre-loaded would provide a much quicker and easier experience.