[Info-vax] OpenVMS Hobbyist Notification

[Dave Froble]

On 3/8/2020 8:46 AM, Phillip Helbig (undress to reply) wrote:
> In article <r42p8k$9s5$1 at panix2.panix.com>, kludge at panix.com (Scott
> Dorsey) writes:
>
>> Yes.  This is what "abandonware" means.  It's software that is no longer
>> available from the manufacturer but which is legally constrained from
>> open distribution.
>
> I had the impression that some here thought that it meant that if it is
> no longer available from the manufacturer, then one somehow has the
> right to do what one wants with it.
>
> That is not the case.
>

Just as a bit of conversation, not advocating anything, at least at this 
time.  Don't need Bill calling me names.

If HP/HPe no longer has copies of VMS, then just what could they use in 
any legal cases to prove piracy, or whatever one wishes to call it? 
Sort of a real practical matter, right?

I seem to recall that someone at VSI indicated that they did have the 
VAX code, and could issue a new release, which they have no intentions 
to ever do, and one cannot blame them.  Regardless, perhaps all that 
would be necessary is for HPe as part of their final disengagement from 
VMS to allow VSI to issue licenses for the old DEC/Compaq/HP VMS 
releases.  Then it would be up to VSI to do so as part of a hobbyist 
program, or not.

And while I'm being my regular asshat, I'm going to question whether 
Phillip is actually a hobbyist user.  He uses VMS for things that people 
purchase products, such as WEENDOZE.

:-)

-- 
David Froble                       Tel: 724-529-0450
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