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<TITLE>To the keepers of the holy grail of Open Source</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>I would like to raise three issues:</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>a) License issues</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>b) Compiere license</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>b) Open Source Trademark</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>a) General License issues</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>---------------------------------------</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>- I am a bit frustrated about the process; I had to submit our suggestion three times before receiving the first feedback.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>- If you only want to deal with the Fortune 1000 - please say so.</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>- The current "ready to use" licenses available are inconsistent and there is no guideline when to use what</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>- If you want to take the Open Source License seriously, but don't want to deal with the "little guys", I suggest you come up with some templates - or do something like eTrust <A HREF="http://www.etrust.com/webpublishers/pub_resourceguide.html" TARGET="_blank">http://www.etrust.com/webpublishers/pub_resourceguide.html</A></FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>- I don't think that people would mind the alternative: use one of the following templates or pay a fee for us looking at the license - assuming that there are templates available and some guideline for non-lawyers when to use which.</FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>b) Compiere License (www.compiere.org/license.txt or www.compiere.org/license.html)</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>----------------------------------</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>- The feedback/critique I received was valid, but my reply unanswered.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>- Could you please tell me if I should just forget about it, come back later, .... ?</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>c) Open Source Trademark</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>--------------------------------------------</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>- As you know, the 'characteristics' of Open Source projects are very different. Recently, there are quite a few companies using the Open Source as marketing tool (in addition to the failed commercial projects)</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>- I think, you guys need to come up with some guidelines on 'ethical' Open Source projects. I realize that there is a fine line ... and Tim O'Reilly would not support an Open Book Source project similar to the original Napster.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>- I suggest that you come up with some guidelines (and even approval process) to separate the "good" from the "others".</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>- Some of the major points, I see:</FONT>
<BR> <FONT SIZE=2>- Does it need to compile (out of the box in defined environment) ?</FONT>
<BR> <FONT SIZE=2>- Does it need to be installable (out of the box in defined environment) ?</FONT>
<BR> <FONT SIZE=2>- Can it rely on or requite products only commercially available ?</FONT>
<BR> <FONT SIZE=2>- Can you charge a download fee ?</FONT>
<BR> <FONT SIZE=2>- Would you be able to use the product without paid support ?</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>- To test your criteria, you should have a look at www.opensales.org - try to install it, try to do something with it (you can't get support from www.opensales.com if you have not paid for the estimated $100,000 implementation project)</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>- Another test criteria would be Compiere. Our intension is to make Compiere THE ERP system for the little guy with 50% market share - by giving it away and offering support for the not so technically/functionally inclined. But, our credo is, that it has to work out-of-the-box without limitations or outside help - Our targeted guarantee: "up and running 2 hours after download or shame on us". We see the main acceptance in third world countries (who would not be able to pay anyway) resulting in an active user and developer community.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Cheers,</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Jorg Janke</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>www.accorto.com Smart Business Management Solutions</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>www.compiere.org Open Source ERP for the Small-Medium-Enterprise</FONT>
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