Re: A Franklin and an Alltech Drive

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Jeff Blakeney writes ...
> 
> On Sat, 04 Dec 1999 16:32:13 -0600, Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>
> wrote:
> 
> > What I mean is that ProDOS is no longer licensed by Apple.
> [snip]
> > True. Nevertheless, the last time I checked with Apple it (along with
> > other Apple II system software) was no longer licensed.
> 
> That makes no sense.  Why would Apple have to license a product that
> they created?
>

     The discussion is about availability of ProDOS. Apple owns ProDOS and
other Apple II system software; but, according to information on Apple's site
when checked earlier this year, Apple no longer licenses the software to anyone
for distribution.


 
> >     Actually, it was (and still is) standard practice to permit private
> > non-profit distribution of software on ProDOS diskettes-- for example,
> > someone might offer a ProDOS utilities disk for the cost of materials
> > and mailing.
> 
> Well, when I get a chance I'll have to check with Apple but I know
> that Syndicomm and I'm pretty sure my users group still have licenses
> to distribute Apple's System Software.  As far as I know, at present,
> anyone who wants to distribute a disk, archive or whatever that
> includes all or part of Apple's System Software, they have to get a
> license from Apple to legally do so.
>

     If Syndicom or someone else wants to distribute Apple II system software
with a product, Apple is not likely to object.

     If Syndicom (or anyone else) insists upon having official Apple
permission, they may just complicate things. Obviously, Apple is willing to
leave us alone in matters such as system software and ROM copies for using
Bernie. It may not be the 'black and white' arrangement some prefer; but, is a
perfectly viable situation.


 
> By the way, when you say "Apple rep" do you mean someone at Apple
> Computer Inc. or someone who works at an authorized Apple dealer?
 ....

     The contacts were via email with a rep at the Apple, Inc. web site.



Rubywand