Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!ncrlnk!ncr-sd!hp-sdd!hplabs!ucbvax!IMAX.ENG.UIOWA.EDU!timv
From: timv@IMAX.ENG.UIOWA.EDU (Tim VanFosson)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apollo
Subject: Re:  Apollo's Network License System (NLS)
Message-ID: <8811232231.AA13408@imax.eng.uiowa.edu>
Date: 23 Nov 88 22:31:48 GMT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Organization: CAD-Research, University of Iowa
Lines: 45

In response to Alan Holbrook's recent posting (in response to that of
Dave Funk).

>>>The University of Iowa had a problem getting NLS licenses from us.  We apologized
>>>to them for the inconvenience.  Nevertheless, readers of this news group should keep 
>>>in mind that the University ordered the NLS product presumably because they intend 
>>>to use NLS to lock their OWN software.  The difficulties Dave has had have NOTHING to 
>>>do with NLS locks on Apollo software since we don't have any locked software for
>>>sale yet.
>>>

    As I understand the situation the University contracted with Apollo
to provide the *keys* to use in unlocking a software product that we
were considering purchasing.  The reason being that the per-node pricing
was somewhat beyond the realm of the ridiculous.  I have never heard that
the University was considering marketing any software based upon NLS.
As one, and perhaps the only, group on campus that would be in a
position to do so, I think that I would have heard about it if it were
so.

>>>
>>>Are Dave's objections to NLS shared by the University of Iowa?  Since the university
>>>has ordered NLS, it must be at least considering doing precisely what Dave finds 
>>>objectionable--licensing its software under NLS.
>>>
>>>    Alan Holbrook
>>>    Program Manager
>>>    Distributed Computing
>>>

Dave, I think, has raised some valid concerns about NLS, which have been
echoed in other notes.  The issue of increased overhead is very important
if Apollo intends to incoporate NLS into its utility programs and compilers,
especially in an environment where cost concerns would preclude the
possibility of obtaining node-locked software for small, frequently-
used applications.  So, the answer to your question - in light of our
real use of NLS - is yes, at least for this member of the University
community.
---
Timothy VanFosson                           Internet : timv@imax.eng.uiowa.edu
Systems Analyst                             US Mail  : CAD-Research
University of Iowa                                     1405 Engineering Building
Phone : (319) 335 - 5728                               Iowa City, Iowa 52242

                My opinions, as well as my mistakes, are my own.