RE: RPG III - Object to Source DE-Compiler

Paul,

First, they need to check their license agreement for that software.
And it probably says that maintenance is required.  I'm not arguing
whether this is a "legit" or "fair" practice.  Just that it is probably
what they already agreed to.

So the software company is probably not "putting the screws to them".
They are just doing what was agreed to.

Also, it is very common to license software to the machine.  Again, it
is most likely what is in the license agreement.

And de-compiling the copy protection schema is almost definitely
AGAINST THE LAW.  I don't think I've ever seen a license agreement that
does not have a reverse engineering clause (which is what de-compiling
is).

And my guess is that the agreement with Source Retrieval will state
that you are not using it to de-compile copyrighted programs (which is
what the vendors programs are).

So, if they do succeed in doing this, they are opening them selves to a
nice fat lawsuit!  Both from their vendor AND Source Retrieval.

Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: midrange-l-admin@midrange.com
[mailto:midrange-l-admin@midrange.com]On Behalf Of Paul Nelson
Sent: Thursday, October 03, 2002 8:11 AM
To: midrange-l@midrange.com
Subject: RE: RPG III - Object to Source DE-Compiler

On the subject of Source Retrieval, Inc. have any of you had them
perform a de-compile for you, or have bought their software?

I've got some clients who are having the screws put to them by their
software provider. They are being told that if they quit paying
maintenance, their right to use the software will be revoked. This is
after they paid the software company big bucks to do modifications to
the base package (and pay again when each upgrade comes out). These
clients have the software working exactly the way they want, and don't
care about upgrading any more. Also the license is tied to the serial
number of the machine. They'd like to stay with IBM, and they'd really
like to get some new machines, but can't without paying the blood money
to the software company. They've bought 99% of the source code already.
There's just a few programs that they don't have ( the license checker
being one).

Any insights are welcome.
Thanks