Re: [Phpgroupware-developers] phpGroupWare - Possible License Breach

[Dan Kuykendall]

I think you need to slow down a bit Dave.

Dave Hall wrote:
> Hi,
>
> My name is Dave Hall and I am the Release Coordinator and a developer of
> the gnu package phpGroupWare. We have become aware of a possible breach
> of the GPL. 

We have no evidence that they will not follow the rules of the GPL/LGPL 
in the case of phpGroupWare. The only thing we can tell is that it 
appears that they are selling a version of phpGroupWare which is 
perfectly legal and fine.

> A company based in India, called TechnoInfosys is distributing a product
> called "Webbased Groupware", which appears to be phpGroupWare.  The
> promo page on their website makes no mention of phpGroupWare.  See
> http://www.technoinfosys.com/products/webbased_groupware.html

Yes it appears to be phpGroupWare from my review as well.

> I have made contact with the company about the product using their
> contact us form on their website (see
> http://www.technoinfosys.com/contact_us/contact_us.html), posing as a
> prospective client. They responded in around 2 hours to this enquiry.
> Their response is attached.

Since you acted as a client I do not see why they would have responded 
any differently.

> After receiving a quote I became suspicious of their per server
> licensing model. I emailed them informing them of their obligations
> under the GPL and requesting a copy of the source. They have not
> responded to my request.  This is also attached.

Again, since you came to them like a client then they rightfully gave 
you the quote you asked for. There is no issue in the GPL that would 
prevent them from charging on a per server licensing model. Nothing at 
all. The only requirement is that they must provide the source code to 
their version for free or for a nominal shipping/handling fee.

They are allowed to charge whatever their customers are willing to pay 
for it and there is no obligation I am aware of that they must advertise 
that its based on Free Software or that they will provide the source 
code upon request.

However, if we request the source for what they are distributing and 
they deny the request then we will have a valid violation to be 
concerned about and which will require more agressive discussion.

In the mean time we must deal with them in good faith and with the 
assumption that they will cooperate with us. It is important that we act 
on our best behavior in these situations because it could otherwise 
reflect badly on Free Software as a whole. We must not discourage 
companies from attempting to make a profit on Free Software so long as 
they follow the licensing and hopefully contribute back to the common good.
Remember that Free Software is Free as in freedom not free beer.


> This matter has generated a lot of discussion between phpGroupWare
> developers on #phpgroupware.

Much of it needless I assume at this point :-)

> What steps should we take now?

I would prefer to take over this situation, since I am the official 
Spokesperson for phpGroupWare. I am confident that everything will be 
resolve amicably.

> Looking forward to your response
:-p

Dan Kuykendall

> Dave Hall (aka skwashd)
> Release Coordinator
> phpGroupWare
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject:
> Re: Fw: Groupware details
> From:
> address@hidden
> Date:
> Tue, 07 Jan 2003 10:39:26 +1100
> To:
> address@hidden
>
>
> Hi Sanjay,
>
> My name is Dave Hall I am one of the phpGroupWare developers. I have
> spent some time looking through the description of the groupware product
> you offer. I noticed that it looks an awful lot like phpGroupWare.
> phpGroupWare is licensed under the General Public License (GPL).
>
> In accordnace with the relevant sections of the GPL i ask that you
> provide me with a copy of the modified source code. I would also like
> to seek clarification in regards to the License that you apply to the
> product you distribute.
>
> I would also like to extend an invitation to you (and others at
> techinfosys) to participate in the development of phpGroupWare. I would
> also ask that you consider making some donation to the project.
>
> I look forward to your response.
>
> Cheers
>
> Dave Hall (aka skwashd)
> Stable Release Coordinator
> phpGroupware
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Julie Tisdale <address@hidden>
> Date: Monday, January 6, 2003 4:56 pm
> Subject: Fw: Groupware details
>
>
> > forward - original mail:
> > From address@hidden
> > Date 06/01/2003 - 04:42:38 pm
> > Subject Groupware details
> >
> >
> > > Hi Julie Tisdale,
> > >
> > > Thankyou for your interest in TechnoInfosys products.
> > >
> > > I hope you might have seen the detailed of the product on our 
> >
> > website.>
> >
> > > We can give you a detailed and more clearer screen shots of the 
> >
> > product.>Alternatively once you are through with the visual demo, 
> > we can talk for
> >
> > > the trial version.
> > >
> > > The product is priced at US dollar USD $1150
> > >
> > > Products is licenced per server, unlimited users.
> > >
> > > Looking forward for your response.
> > >
> > > Thanking you warm regards,
> > >
> > > Sanjay Gurav
> > > COO
> > > TechnoInfosys
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > -----------------------------------------
> > > This email was sent using TechnoInfosys LA Mail Solution.
> > > http://www.technoinfosys.com/
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Subject:
> > Groupware details
> > From:
> > address@hidden
> > Date:
> > Mon, 06 Jan 2003 06:36:12 +0000 (GMT)
> > To:
> > address@hidden
> >
> >
> > Hi Julie Tisdale,
> >
> > Thankyou for your interest in TechnoInfosys products.
> >
> > I hope you might have seen the detailed of the product on our website.
> >
> > We can give you a detailed and more clearer screen shots of the product.
> > Alternatively once you are through with the visual demo, we can talk for
> > the trial version.
> >
> > The product is priced at US dollar USD $1150
> >
> > Products is licenced per server, unlimited users.
> >
> > Looking forward for your response.
> >
> > Thanking you warm regards,
> >
> > Sanjay Gurav
> > COO
> > TechnoInfosys
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----------------------------------------
> > This email was sent using TechnoInfosys LA Mail Solution.
> > http://www.technoinfosys.com/
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Phpgroupware-developers mailing list
> > address@hidden
> > http://mail.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/phpgroupware-developers