(Mike:) I understand what Tom has been saying, but I'm having more trouble
following you.
In John's defense, as if he needed any, IMO what he wrote was pretty
clear, and something to learn from.
The "confusion" arises when you get into the real details of the laws
and how they work and how they apply, and that's what's reflected in his
explanations...
As to Tom's situation, I don't know the legal particulars except for
what he shared, but for me it is actually a big lesson for any company
that does business. Tom can be commended for doing business :) but if
it's my company or if they ask me, I would likely recommend keeping your
own data on your own machines over which you yourself exercise
ownership, including the leasing option.
Plus, reserve an escape clause/mechanism that lets you glide smoothly
out of your obligations. That would include those owed to software
companies. There are famous software packages with codes that demand
payment by so-and-so date or it locks up are irritants.
--Alan
