> On 8/25/07, Rick Schummer <profox@whitelightcomputing.com> wrote:

>

> > While I hate copy protection as much as the next guy, I have had lots of my IP stolen and

> > copied, and flaunted in front of me. So I guess I am tainted the other way.

Hatred leads to the Dark Side.

I just can't see how Microsoft preventing legitimate users with legal

copies of MS software from installing their software helps you enforce

a copyright, licensing or contractual violation.

What are you going to do, lock up clients' data so they have to call

you for a password? Encrypt your program so it only runs on machines

you've approved in environments you allow? Don't plan on any

vacations. Don't let your cell phone battery run down. I don't want to

have to be that accessible. I know some members of the forums have

customers they believe they have to treat this way. I guess I am lucky

that I'm not in that situation (though I do know of people who are

running my code without the licensing fees everyone else pays -- I

hope they're enjoying their 5-year-old app). And I have brought former

clients to court over contractual violations. It's not pleasant.

But the attitude of punishing clients is not one that wins loyalty in

the end. MS can get away with in the arenas they are perceived as

monopolists.

--

Ted Roche

Ted Roche & Associates, LLC

http://www.tedroche.com