Conference vaxaxp::vmsnotes

652.0. "OpenVMS Hobbyist Licenses..." by XDELTA::HOFFMAN (Steve, OpenVMS Engineering) Tue May 27 1997 18:11

   DIGITAL and DECUS (US) are apparently offering a hobbyist license
   for specific OpenVMS releases -- there isn't much information on
   this available yet around DIGITAL or over at the DECUS web site,
   but here is some of what has appeared so far:

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Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 13:32:02 -1300
From: "David Cathey (Remove MX to mail)" <[email protected]>
Organization: Montagar Software Concepts
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Subject: Hobbyist FAQ Needed? Was: Free VMS Hobbyist license, outside U.S.?
References: <[email protected]_remove_everything_after_com>
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Enrico Badella wrote:
> 
> John, Babiarz, [email protected] wrote:
> >
> > In article <[email protected]_remove_everything_after_com>,
Christof says...
> > >
> > >At http://www.montagar.com/hobbyist/ I read about the
> > >free hobbyist OpenVMS License:
> > >
> > >> They announced a Hobbyist License Agreement program,
> > >> available only through DECUS, to make no-cost OpenVMS
> > >> Licenses available to the pure hobbyist.
> > >
> > >> Now, all DECUS U.S. Chapter members can register for a
> > >> OpenVMS Hobbyist license for home use.
> > >
> > >Now I wonder: What about the members of other (non-US)
> > >DECUS chapters? I could not find anything about that
> > >restriction in the text of the license agreement.
> 
> That was my same question. I guess we european VMS hobbists should
> consider ourselves second or maybe third class.
> 
> Who can we lobby to get this wonderfull priviledge

	Okay, I'll probably be putting together a FAQ about this,
since despite this being a substantial move in a good direction,
there are people that are going to feel left out.  This is not the
right sentiment to take, since ANY move like this is a move in
the right direction, and it has to start somewhere.  Is it
unusual to imagine that for a U.S.-based company that this might
happen first in the U.S.?

	Okay, this isn't "official" yet, but hopefully should
answer the questions I've been fielding lately.


Q) How come VAX architecture only?
A) Alpha's are still pretty new and a growing product space.  Those
   leading the hobbyist movement were primarily concerned about 
   aging VAX systems which are getting crushed because the licensing
   is cumbersome.  We'd rather that these machines have happy homes.
   Also, the journey of a 1000 miles begins with the first step, and
   this is a big one.  We had to set the precedent first.

Q) Why is only OpenVMS V6.1 allowed?
A) V6.1 is the most recent version of VAX/VMS that is no longer
   fully supported by Digital.  In offering a zero-charge license,
   Digital does not want to encumber itself with exposure to
   support, royalty, or other issues with this program.

Q) Why does the license expire in 1 year, and what happens after that?
A) This is mainly a tracking issue negotiated to satisfy Digital.
   Once the license expires, just come back and register you a new one.

Q) Why is this U.S. distribution only?
A) There are still exportation issues involved for Digital Proprietary
   Information and Copyrights.  The agreement was reached between
   Digital and U.S. Chapter DECUS that Digital would agree to the
   program if the U.S. Chapter DECUS would manage and track program.
   This agreement was reached and finalized in a VERY short period of
   time (starting around March, and completed at DECUS Cincinnati).
   This is an amazing achievement to get a DECUS project moved through
   channels in such a short period of time.  The precedent is now set.
   We heartily encourage other DECUS Chapters to get similar agreements
   with Digital, and we are willing to provide support to those DECUS
   Chapters.

Q) Is the Hobbyist Distribution available on TK50?
A) Not at this time.  However, if there is sufficient demand, we will
   consider providing OpenVMS V6.1 TK50 Distribution Media. 

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