[CS-FSLUG] License Question

[Don Parris]

On Thu, 24 Mar 2005 14:24:03 -0500, K Montgomery <keltik at nycap.rr.com> wrote:
> 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
> 

In this case, the DB guy prefers we use Access for the whole thing. 
I'm not thrilled about that, but I understand.  They're pretty
particular about folks installing software, etc.  For our purposes,
Access will work o.k.  I hate toying with anything proprietary, but I
desparately need a shot at a better job opportunity.  At any rate,
I'll have to use the "open" license in order to implement the design
in Access, I believe.

>From between a rock and a hard place,
Don
-- 
DC Parris GNU Evangelist
http://matheteuo.org/
gnumathetes at gmail.com
Free software is like God's love - 
you can share it with anyone anywhere anytime!