scherrer@mtxinu.UUCP (Deborah Scherrer) (08/04/87)
Let me explain how/why USENIX requests licenses and how this relates to the distribution tapes: Proof of appropriate AT&T SOURCE licensing is required whenever source code material is exchanged or divulged, as on a distribution tape or in a licensed tutorial. USENIX has wonderfully elaborate procedures, well worked out with AT&T, for assuring that license copies sent to us are, in fact, verifiably current and legal. Binary licenses are of no interest nor use to USENIX. Binary licenses are issued by the company selling the binary product (DEC, SUN, mt Xinu, etc.). Because of AT&T stipulations, binary licenses only give the customer rights to receive binary code from the issuing party. That means that USENIX could not, even if it wanted to, compile a piece of licensed software and ship the binary to binary licensees. Hence USENIX only distributes source-licensed, or non-licensed, material. Now, all Institutional-level members receive the rights to distribution tapes for which they are appropriate licensed. When we receive submissions for the tapes, our tape editor sorts them into licensed and non-licensed sections. We frequently receive packages which are either completely or primarily unlicensed. In these cases, we ship to non-source-licensed members all those packages not requiring source licenses. Also, in cases where only a small portion of the package is licensed, we ship the unlicensed parts along with suggestions on re-implementing the missing licensed pieces. Licensed software is sent only to those Institutional members who are licensed for the material and whose licenses we have been able to verify. Incidentally, this year our distribution tapes will consist of a collection of net.sources, mod.sources, and other publically-available software, all appropriately unpacked, arranged, and canonicalized. This collection/organization project, funded by USENIX, has taken many months and has resulted in the acquisition of over 1200 software packages, all unlicensed. Hence all 1987 Institutional Members will be automatically receiving these tapes. They will also be available for purchase by Individual members. And, if you're still reading at this point, let me also further clarify our membership categories. The terms "Indivudal" and "Institutional" are misleading. Neither category is restricted to either individuals or institutions. Rather, the categories simply reflect different levels of services available. Individuals do not automatically receive tapes, nor license verification. Institutionals, for their higher fee, do, along with other services. Even as we speak, we are in the process of re-clarifying these categories and services. Watch future issues of ;login: for more information. Deborah Scherrer USENIX Vice President