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Use Evaluation version of software for Training?
- Thread starter blinton25
- Start date
CajunCenturion
Programmer
Are you evaluating the software? Doesn't sound like it.
I would be surprised to find out that it is legal, and even if it is, I think it's clearly unethical.
That being said, have you read the evaluation version license? What does the license say about legitimate uses of the evaluation copy?
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I would be surprised to find out that it is legal, and even if it is, I think it's clearly unethical.
That being said, have you read the evaluation version license? What does the license say about legitimate uses of the evaluation copy?
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To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read
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Bandenjamin
Programmer
Do these people already know how to use Excel? If so try these
faq68-6918
You may also find some training materials and demonstrations on the microsoft website for free.
--Dan
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Mark Twain
faq68-6918
You may also find some training materials and demonstrations on the microsoft website for free.
--Dan
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Mark Twain
I think there's a bit of a grey line there. I have taken some classes (MS sponsored, of course) where they used a half dozen virtual machines running evaluation versions of Windows Server inside Virtual PC. I've always assumed that training was a legitimate use for eval versions. In fact, I have heard Microsoft advocate that IT people download evaluation copies of their applications and OS to learn the software.
________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCTS:Active Directory
MCTS:Network Infrastructure
MCTS:Applications Infrastructure
________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCTS:Active Directory
MCTS:Network Infrastructure
MCTS:Applications Infrastructure
MasterRacker
Active member
I've taken some college courses where we used eval versions as well. I don't know if the school had an agreement for that use or not.
One way to look at eval software is as a sales tool. Try it, if you see something you like, you'll buy it. Training could be similar, people who are exposed to the product and have a good experience are more likely to buy it - or a company who's people can use it more effectively are less likely to switch to a competitor.
I doubt MS would agressively prosecute, but as Cajun mentioned, it really comes down to the actual wording of the EULA.
_____
Jeff
[small][purple]It's never too early to begin preparing for [/purple]International Talk Like a Pirate Day
"The software I buy sucks, The software I write sucks. It's time to give up and have a beer..." - Me[/small]
One way to look at eval software is as a sales tool. Try it, if you see something you like, you'll buy it. Training could be similar, people who are exposed to the product and have a good experience are more likely to buy it - or a company who's people can use it more effectively are less likely to switch to a competitor.
I doubt MS would agressively prosecute, but as Cajun mentioned, it really comes down to the actual wording of the EULA.
_____
Jeff
[small][purple]It's never too early to begin preparing for [/purple]International Talk Like a Pirate Day
"The software I buy sucks, The software I write sucks. It's time to give up and have a beer..." - Me[/small]
- Thread starter
- #6
Hello,
Thanks for the comments. I am also thinking of persuing this scenario for another software package, so in both cases I will review the EULA.
I do think it would be unfair for the client to purchase licenses (USD 300 x 10), train the individuals, and then leave the licenses unused.
Meanwhile those people who were trained would then purchase their own licenses (USD 300 x 10), which would mean two sets of license fees for the vendor.
Actually I have been thinking of training in OpenOffice Calc (initially because I know a few of the participants can't afford Office). So does that count as an evaluation-being trained in both packages and then deciding which one is best?
Thanks for the comments. I am also thinking of persuing this scenario for another software package, so in both cases I will review the EULA.
I do think it would be unfair for the client to purchase licenses (USD 300 x 10), train the individuals, and then leave the licenses unused.
Meanwhile those people who were trained would then purchase their own licenses (USD 300 x 10), which would mean two sets of license fees for the vendor.
Actually I have been thinking of training in OpenOffice Calc (initially because I know a few of the participants can't afford Office). So does that count as an evaluation-being trained in both packages and then deciding which one is best?
Bandenjamin
Programmer
Question, if the users are going to eventually purchase the copies for themselves, why not just do it now? Maybe work out something where the company covers half the cost and the employee the other half?
--Dan
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Mark Twain
--Dan
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Mark Twain
- Thread starter
- #8
One difference though is if you were putting together a training room/facility that is used in the same config all the time. Where I used to work we put together our own in-house training room with 10 PCs, and we had to use the full versions there. If you're building the machine "to order" for each class, then you'd probably be OK with using evals, depending on how they were deployed.
________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCTS:Active Directory
MCTS:Network Infrastructure
MCTS:Applications Infrastructure
________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCTS:Active Directory
MCTS:Network Infrastructure
MCTS:Applications Infrastructure
- Thread starter
- #10
Good point, if it was an ongoing training exercise then i agree that the software should be licensed, especially since it would expire in 60 days!
But in this case it is one-off training, so I am hesistant to tell them outlay for licenses that may never be used beyond the 2 days.
But in this case it is one-off training, so I am hesistant to tell them outlay for licenses that may never be used beyond the 2 days.
I traveled around the country for about 10 years doing corporate training. Most of the companies would copy an image onto the training room pc's with whatever o/s & software was needed for that class. The only software companies that complained were the exceptionally greedy ones. And no Microsoft wasn’t one of them. In fact, they encouraged it so they could sell more to new users.
Most companies went along with it since it meant more people knew how to use their software and were more likely to purchase or recommend the purchase.
Most companies went along with it since it meant more people knew how to use their software and were more likely to purchase or recommend the purchase.
Now that you've clarified that this is not an ongoing training (originally I thought you meant install, use, uninstall, repeat), I think you might be able to get away with eval versions.
Again, it all comes down to the EULA. However, you could alway try contacting the vendor and getting authorization. As others have pointed out, the training is beneficial for them as well. Also, the fact that you want to comply with the license agreement is likely to work in your favor.
Again, it all comes down to the EULA. However, you could alway try contacting the vendor and getting authorization. As others have pointed out, the training is beneficial for them as well. Also, the fact that you want to comply with the license agreement is likely to work in your favor.
- Thread starter
- #13
The reason trial software exists is the publisher's wish for you to get to know, get familiar with, and love the product. This love will extend to your home, your work, and any other place where their software could possibly be used. It is a commercial offer, not an altruistic one, that they hope will result in more software sales.
Most publishers want you to use the program as much as possible during the trial period, so I see zero ethical concerns with getting a group of people used to working with software that someone will eventually have to buy someday.
It's why trial software exists in the first place.
Tony
Users helping Users...
Most publishers want you to use the program as much as possible during the trial period, so I see zero ethical concerns with getting a group of people used to working with software that someone will eventually have to buy someday.
It's why trial software exists in the first place.
Tony
Users helping Users...
ChrisRAnthony
Technical User
You could always look at Open Source software This is FREE and whilst it is not Windows Excel, does offer the same functionality.
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