W. Chris Shank on Tue, 8 Jul 2003 23:35:21 -0400


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Re: [PLUG] SuSE Distribution Policy?


Wow - That was like pulling teeth. I wanted to offer SuSE linux as an
option for the Linux boxes I have been selling. I try to stay with the
free versions where I can - although I have a relationship with Xandros
and am in talks with Lindows. I looked into SuSE OEM/reseller - but they
want me to pay a lot of money annually. Well, I suppose I can ship the
retail unit so long as I buy it. Thanks for looking into it.

On Tue, 2003-07-08 at 22:34, Kevin Brosius wrote:
> > Anyone familiar with the SuSE CD distribution policy?
> > 
> > If I buy SuSE 8.2 (desktop or pro) can I make copies of the cd's and
> > give away or sell like I can with Red Hat? Am I only allowed to put it
> > on one machine?
> > 
> 
> Good question.  Not knowing I checked out CD one of a copy of the SuSE
> 8.2 Pro Upgrade.  It contains a copy of the GPL in the COPYING file. 
> However, there is also a COPYRIGHT file (only in German...) which
> babelfish tells me says:
> 
> ===
> Not all programs on the CDs are Freeware.
> 
> It partly concerns Shareware, partly is reduced the use for commercial
> purposes. 
> 
> In the descriptions of package to the valid in each case copyright one
> refers. We take over however no warranty for the correctness of these
> data. Read please in the doubt the original copyright information to the
> programs. 
> ===
> 
> Basically, I think the answer is, that you get a single user license to
> use the extra programs they ship with the Pro version.  However I don't
> see any obvious description of their policy.
> 
> Looking at the product box, there is a 'Terms and Conditions' block,
> which claims that all sales fall under one of two agreements published
> on their web site at www.suse.de/en/.  Transactions with "entrepreneurs"
> are covered under a "General Terms and Conditions of Sale, SuSE Linux
> AG, International B2B", and consumers under the same, but B2C.
> 
> Looking at the web site, I finally ran acroos this comment, pertaining
> to the YAST admin tool they supply (part of the CD install set):
> 
> ===
> 
> Dissemination
> 
> It is forbidden to reproduce or distribute data carriers which have been
> reproduced without authorisation for payment without the prior written
> consent of SuSE Linux AG or SuSE Linux. Distribution of the YaST
> programme, its sources, whether amended or unamended in full or in part
> thereof, and the works derived thereof for a charge require the prior
> written consent of SuSE Linux AG.
> 
> All programmes derived from YaST, and all works derived thereof as a
> whole or parts thereof may only be disseminated with the amended sources
> and this licence in accordance with 2b). Making YaST or works derived
> thereof available free of charge together with SuSE Linux on FTP Servers
> and mailboxes is permitted if the licences on the software are observed.
> 
> ===
> 
> So, I'd say they don't want you selling copies without prior approval. 
> Clear as mud, eh?
-- 
W. Chris Shank
ACE Technology Group, LLC
http://www.acetechgroup.com
(610) 647-1055

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