[CS-FSLUG] License Question

[K Montgomery]

Don Parris wrote:

>I designed a database back-end for managing security officers' logs. 
>Call it WatchMan (Watch Manager).  I would like to use the back-end
>design at work, but know that MS Access is what will be used. 
>Creating this database at work will give me an opportunity to solve a
>real-world problem in a real-world business setting (something noone
>seems keen on giving me the chance to do thus far).  My boss is sold
>on the idea, but the office is a serious Windows shop.
>
>While I prefer the GPL, it would almost certainly preclude the use of
>Access for a front-end, as far as I know (the result would be a
>derivative work, no?).  Should I use the modified BSD license that is
>GPL-compatible?  I think that would allow me to use Access while
>keeping the back-end design free/open.  I look forward to your input.
>
>Don
>  
>
I don't know if my experience is the same as yours, but I once developed 
a MySQL database for a work project where the intent was to use Access 
as the front-end.  I wanted to freely distribute the resulting system 
(front end Access files and back end MySQL files), but my concern was 
whether I had the right to distribute the the database file created by 
MS Access.

After reading the EULA for Access, my understanding was that I retained 
the rights to any files created with it.  However, I'd advise reviewing 
the EULA yourself to be sure (it was a while ago that I read it).

Do you intend to distribute a system in the way that I did?  Or is your 
question only whether you can *use* Access as a front end?  I didn't 
think licensing had any bearing on the latter.

- Kathy