- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Thomas" <mhthomas_at_yahoo.com>
To: <oracle-l_at_freelists.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 7:05 PM
Subject: Re: [oracle-l] Open Source issues
> This is very good information. Thanks.
>
> On the one hand, MySQL has a free license for
> non-commercial use which has now changed to 'GPL'.
> Otherwise, MySQL has always had a small license fee
> (and protection from 'GPL') for anyone developing a
> system for a commercial application. Many people want
> to steal a 'free' license and not pay.
>
> As the link explains, the 'free' license is changed to
> GPL, meaning any system developed with the free
> license is also GPL. Now, if your software project
> steals a 'free' license you have to release your
> software as open source, e.g. GPL. I may not
> understand nor explain it 100% correctly, but that's
> the general point.
>
> The only way to protect yourself, if you are
> developing software to make money, is to buy a
> license. I applaud MySQL for taking these steps. I
> found that RedHat has actually improved by charging
> license fees, even though Linus is upset about having
> to pay for what he writes. I also think this will
> improve MySQL.
>
> <SOAPBOX>
> Its funny (to me) is because we always get back what
> we are willing to put in, especially in the 'global'
> economy and with software companies. Sometimes it just
> takes a couple cycles for balance to be achieved.
>
> Who knows where this is from?
>
> "Where is the natural place to look for cost reduction
> opportunities? In the places where there is apparent
> excess manpower - the areas that have improved the
> most. Punish people for their improvements and the
> process of ongoing improvements comes to a grinding
> halt. Morale, and thus performance, rapidly
> deteriorates. But at that time the clients have been
> spoiled by the excellent performance and they are not
> willing to accept any deterioration. Sales plummet, in
> some cases, to the extent that financial viability is
> not longer there".
>
> My philosophy is also to laugh at software companies
> where the Corporate leadership pitches how great their
> outsource projects are going. Regardless, I support
> least cost development, but the truth is that most of
> the largest license thefts occurs in Asia, China,
> India and Russia/East Europe (sorted alphabetical),
> and some of our largest software based corporations
> will see sales plummet by focusing in these areas.
>
> Two questions:
> 1) How much cheaper is development, when you steal all
> your development software, e.g. databases?
> 2) How reliable/professional would this type of
> organization be?
>
> E.g. Also, don't ask how many clients 'Oracle <insert
> country>' has signed up, rather ask how much new
> license revenue has been generated.
>
> For example, a friend mine from India told me his
> friends back home ask him why he has to pay US taxes,
> because they don't understand why he can't cheat on
> taxes like they do. And, India is not nearly as big a
> problem as the others I've mentioned.
> </SOAPBOX>
>
> Its clear that MySQL is getting ahead of the curve in
> this case. Congratulations.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mike Thomas
>
> --- DENNIS WILLIAMS <DWILLIAMS_at_LIFETOUCH.COM> wrote:
> > If you are considering MySQL or other open-source
> > applications, the
> > following article discusses some of the more subtle
> > issues related to open
> > source, particularly if you sell applications based
> > on MySQL.
> >
> >
> http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/01/16/03OPstrategic_1.html
> >
> >
> > Dennis Williams
> > DBA
> > Lifetouch, Inc.
> > dwilliams_at_lifetouch.com
> >
> >
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Received on Wed Jan 28 2004 - 08:21:00 CST
