On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 11:13:17 -0500
 Hugh Smith <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Did the records manager have a Software License so that if the software is
not
> supported that someone else can do it.  If the records manager did their job
> or the IT Manager and required a software license so that in the event their
> records no longer have support that they could at least continue to use the
> product by creating their own support vendor.
>

It is not a question of software license, but of source code.  The software
license lets you use the software within certain restrictions (number of users,
installs, etc.).  Most software companies are not going to release their source
code to a customer.  What more organizations need to do is insist on the source
code being placed in escrow in their name, so if the software company goes away
or drops the software, they have access to the code at least long enough for an
orderly migration to another product.  At the very least, an agreement should
be reached, and placed in writing, that the software company will give ample
warning that they are discontinuing a product and will continue to support the
phase-out product for an agreed upon length of time.  Many software companies
that discontinue a software will recommend (or expect) migration or conversion
to their replacement product, for a cost of course.  You still have to buy the
replacement product and its necessary licenses.

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