Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!think.com!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!hsdndev!cmcl2!esquire!baumgart From: baumgart@esquire.dpw.com (Steve Baumgarten) Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.apps Subject: Re: All Commercial Software Developers or Companies (pls read) Message-ID: Date: 24 Jun 91 14:35:06 GMT References: <56971@nigel.ee.udel.edu> <0bclf0k@rpi.edu> Sender: news@DPW.COM Organization: Davis Polk & Wardwell Lines: 37 In-reply-to: ohland@itsgw.rpi.edu's message of 24 Jun 91 13:08:51 GMT In article <0bclf0k@rpi.edu> ohland@itsgw.rpi.edu (Matt Ohland) writes: In reference to software testing, don't forget that some companies, MacProducts, for one, offer software for lease. Test capabilities and legal software rights at the same time! This is absolutely correct. Then there's MacConnection (and many other mail-order houses), which let you return software if you decide that it doesn't meet your needs. And there are Mac dealers who do, in fact, let you try software before you buy it. Egghead Software comes to mind, and their prices are nearly as good as mail-order. The point is not whether "borrowing software" or "taking it for a test drive" is wrong -- it's not, as long as the software arrived on your computer through legal means. What bothers me is the thought that Mr. Mora's software, *because it will help determine whether people have engaged in the theft of other people's products* is inherently bad. The "big bad MIS/DP department" argument doesn't wash; you're either stealing or you aren't. I should also say that from the point of view of liability, an employee's reckless disregard of the law and of company policy could potentially get the company itself into big trouble. Companies don't like getting into big trouble; they're much happier knowing that they aren't going to be facing a dozen potential lawsuits by software houses that discover that their products are being stolen. If all the "big bad MIS/DP manager" does is take away your stolen software, be happy; you could well lose your job for putting your company in such legal jeopardy. -- Steve Baumgarten | "New York... when civilization falls apart, Davis Polk & Wardwell | remember, we were way ahead of you." baumgart@esquire.dpw.com | cmcl2!esquire!baumgart | - David Letterman