Re: GNU licenses

[David Kastrup]

Alexander Terekhov <terekhov@web.de> writes:

> David Kastrup wrote:
>> 
>> Alexander Terekhov <terekhov@web.de> writes:
>> 
>> > David Kastrup wrote:
>> > [...]
>> >> Well, the last filing is at
>> >> <URL:http://biz.yahoo.com/e/060710/rhat10-q.html>, and lo-and-behold,
>> >
>> > See Full Filing, not summary, retard. Quotes from latest 10-Q:
>> 
>> The quotes don't change that the software subscriptions are their
>> major source of revenue, much larger than services and training.
>
> Subscriptions is SERVICE, idiot. Subscriptions are contracts for
> software delivery, patching it, etc. They don't sell software.

According to that definition, few people sell software.  Certainly
Microsoft would not sell software, they only sell the delivery in form
of CDs you are allowed to install.

I don't think that the original poster's question whether it is
possible to make money with free software should be answered with "no"
in light of software subscriptions being the main revenue source of
RedHat.

It certainly meets the bill, regardless of how often you shout
"retard", "idiot" and other expressions you use when you run out of
arguments.

> In fact, their subscription service contracts are at odds with
> respect to GPL-ish "no additional restrictions" regarding deployment
> of delivered stuff on more than agreed number of "installed
> systems".

Not at all, since they don't prohibit copying software, but rather
refuse servicing such copies.  Which is perfectly well within their
rights according to the GPL.

> They seem to have managed to bribe the FSF to provide them some
> positive "statement of opinion" or some such, but they do recognize
> that it's not binding for other GPL licensors, and so they warn
> investors that their business model can fall apart at any moment.

You certainly have a vivid imagination.  They warn investors that they
have no vendor lockin on their customers, and indeed, this is the one
thing one hasn't when dealing with GPLed software.  So they need to
maintain their competitive edge continuously, and that is something
investors need to be aware of.

But up to now they have been doing fine in that regard.

-- 
David Kastrup, Kriemhildstr. 15, 44793 Bochum