http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/05/microsoft_mvp_threats/
looks like a big amount of consideration needs to take place, before one decides to write extensions for Microsoft products with the good intention and faith to make the community happy.
The melody of logic will always play out the truth. ~ Narumi Ayumu, Spiral
Long read... interesting but scary. Anyone care to share their views?
Hmmm... I wonder what will happen if someone created a product using Visual Studio Express to equal Visual Studio (non-Express)?
bronkman: Hmmm... I wonder what will happen if someone created a product using Visual Studio Express to equal Visual Studio (non-Express)?
From Visual Studio Express website:
4.Can I use Express Editions for commercial use?Yes, there are no licensing restrictions for applications built using the Express Editions.
Yes, there are no licensing restrictions for applications built using the Express Editions.
But of course, if you create an equivalent of Visual Studio, you're officially marking yourself as a competitor of MS.
I guess the problem is that the guy is introducing advanced feature into express edition. First is unit test. Then what? BI Studio for Express (is this possible )? BizTalk Publishing Wizard? And so, why would we need a VS paid editions then? Sometimes, although the intention is good, it's just tough to align our objective to Finance Dept's. (And we know which dept paid those lawyers)
I only spent time to learn the first chain of emails. others have commented that in reading the entire course of correspondance there are certain ways in which Jamie Cansdale had handled the situation poorly, like insisting on making commercial add-ons for the Express line, and trying to gung ho the Microsoft legal muscle. Even if he wins it would be an incredibly expensive venture.
Have to agree with the others that he should spend time/money on add-ons for the Professional line where most of the revenue will certainly come from.
I guess it is because the add-on started as a hobby project and he did not spend much time on it. Funny thing is that he got his MVP for this and he got into trouble also for this.
Whatever the outcome, it will be a loss to lose such a talent should he decided to cross.
some Microsoft "statements" on the matter
http://blogs.msdn.com/danielfe/archive/2007/05/31/visual-studio-express-and-testdriven-net.aspx
http://blogs.msdn.com/danielfe/archive/2007/06/01/testdriven-net-and-express-technical-information.aspx
I wonder if this is the same as if one releases a software with a trial that ends in 30 days? The functionality is there but you just need to enter a registration code or hack around to gain full use of the software.
If 80% of the 14 million users who downloaded Visual Studio Express are beginners, then there might be no harm in allowing the add-on, but Microsoft would have to apologise to its 300 VSIP for not allowing them to create add-ons for VS Express previously.
If the lawsuit ensues, anyone knows if this is the first legal battle based on EULA? Anyway, it will be interesting to see this going down in legal history no matter how it turns out.