Licencing VB software 1

[BKtechie]

Hello all,
Does anyone know who in Microsoft I need to talk to about selling a program developed in VB 6? Any suggestions would be appriciated.

BKtechie

 

[CasperTFG]

Why would you need to contact Microsoft. If you wrote the program it's yours. Sell away.

Craig, mailto:sander@cogeco.ca

In the computer industry, there are three kinds of lies:
lies, damn lies, and benchmarks.

 

[BKtechie]

I just want to cover all my bases before I sell this thing and have a lawsuit slapped on me. I developed it in VB learning edition, so I need to know if I can sell anything I write in it, or do I need to purchase something that will allow me to do so.

BKtechie

 

[CasperTFG]

I don't think so, but since the learning edition is free, it may have a stipulation that you have to purchase VB before selling anything made on it.

Craig, mailto:sander@cogeco.ca

In the computer industry, there are three kinds of lies:
lies, damn lies, and benchmarks.

 

[CassandraR]

Hi BKtechie:

The End User Licence Agreement that comes with Visual Basic Learning Edition states:

1.1 License Grant. Microsoft grants to you as an individual, a personal nonexclusive license to make and use copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for the sole purposes of evaluating and learning how to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, as may be instructed in accompanying publications or documentation. You may install the software on an unlimited number of computers provided that you are the only individual using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

It would seem that one cannot use legally the Learning Edition for product development. One would need to upgrade to one of the products (Standard, Professional or Enterprise) to produce commercial products legally.

Cassie

 

[BKtechie]

Thanks Cassie, that's the info I was looking for.

 

[CassandraR]

BKTechie: The End User License Agreement appears in the file EULA.txt on the CD, if you have one.

Craig: Careful with your comments. The legality of software depends BOTH on the user's coding AND on the license agreement of the development platform.

Cassie

 

[TheTuna]

But how would Microsoft Enforce this?

Suppose you visit your next-door neighbors house, use their computer to develop a program worth selling. So, you create your installation package, burn it to CD and return home. You're really good at marketting, so you start making money. MS can't do a thing about it... and why would they! They sell VB, imagine the drop in sales they would experience if suddenly they started sueing people for using it!


No Dolphins were harmed in the posting of this message... Dolphin Friendly Tuna!

 

[CasperTFG]

Yes, Cassie that is why I said Quote: "but since the learning edition is free, it may have a stipulation that you have to purchase VB before selling anything made on it."

Craig, mailto:sander@cogeco.ca

In the computer industry, there are three kinds of lies:
lies, damn lies, and benchmarks.

 

[BKtechie]

While we're on the subject, does anyone know where to get a higher edition of VB6? All I can find is Visual Studio with VB 6.0 included. Looks good, but why pay for all the other fancy stuff...

BKtechie

 

[CasperTFG]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/103-4440100-9536664

Though it looks like VB by itself is more expensive though it is the professional not enterprise edition.

Craig, mailto:sander@cogeco.ca

In the computer industry, there are three kinds of lies:
lies, damn lies, and benchmarks.

 

[TheTuna]

http://www.microsoft.com...

Almost any software store can get it for you, if they don't stock VB by itself that is.

No Dolphins were harmed in the posting of this message... Dolphin Friendly Tuna!

 

[CassandraR]

Hi BKTechie:

I don't know about where you live, but where I live it worked out far cheaper for me to take a VB course in the local college and buy the VB6 Pro edition at the academic price. The total price of the course and the VB6 Pro came to less than the cost of the VB6 Pro at regular pricing.

Cassie

 

[CassandraR]

Hi TheTuna:

MS and other members of ASP are probably not interested in the small fishes. However, if you start making the really big bucks, then don't be surprise to receive a visit from ASP (Association of Software Producers.)

Now, if you were to build a new OS to replace Windows, then besides being our savior, you can bet Gates and his lot will definitely beat down your door. ;-)

Cassie

 

[devilman0]

And trying to sue you for piracy. ;-) Just a little humor.

Thanks,
James

"Make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot." ~bumper sticker