[Info-vax] Licenses on VAX/VMS 4.0/4.1 source code listing scans

[chris]

On 12/10/21 20:12, Arne Vajhøj wrote:
> On 12/10/2021 10:46 AM, chris wrote:
>> If you are a developer, you should try to walk the walk in terms
>> of ethics and try to do the right thing. In the real world though,
>> people will do whatever needs to be done to find a solution if there
>> seems to b an insurmountable obstacle.
>>
>> The other point is, do the original owners really care enough, or
>> even at all, when so much licensed software is out there and is
>> obsolete and no longer sold ?. Similar case here, where I was trying
>> find detail on the write boot block code for early SunOs for historical
>> purposes. Found the complete source cd online and was able to complete
>> the task. No profit involved, other than keeping some old machines
>> alive.
>>
>> Ethical dilemmas everywhere in life and we all have to make our
>> own choices...
>
> I don't think there is much ethical dilemma here.
>
> There should be no doubt that following the law is the etical
> solution here.
>
> Arne
>

Well, that's my whole point, but if no license is available from the
original vendor, or they have ceased to exist, the user should stop
using the product, irrespective of the effect on their business ?.

Imho, it's a gross breach of good faith and trust for a vendor to
provide no means of continuance in such cases...

Chris