I am using the visualization tools for an academic demo and I would also really appreciate being able to get a local copy of the tools. That way, if the internet connection at a conference goes down, our demo could continue running. So, I share your concerns and I would also be interested in some more info...
David Thulson On Sep 24, 11:18 am, Christopher Sansone <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hello, > > I work at a commercial software company, and we are interested in > integrating these excellent visualization tools into our product. > However, to avoid a number of risks, we would like to host a copy of the > API ourselves. Unfortunately, I cannot find a link to download the API, > so it makes me question whether this is technically or legally possible. > > From a technical standpoint, it seems like they are simply a series of > static Javascript files (and maybe some images)... in theory, these > should be able to be hosted anywhere. From a use standpoint, the > <script> tag in our code would simply have to point to our own server as > opposed to Google's. > > I reviewed the license, but it seemed a little vague in this area. The > spirit of the license is that we can use the component set in any type > of software, but we cannot modify, create derivative works, and/or > resell it. We would fully comply with all of this... we just want the > responsibility of hosting it ourselves for users of our products to > eliminate some significant risks. > > What risks? For starters, Google may release a new version that > introduces some new bugs or incompatibilities with our product. Like > any other component set I've ever used, we would prefer to download a > copy, integrate and deploy it, and when new versions are available, we > have the option of using it or not, run regression tests prior to > release, and do so on our own schedule. Also, it requires Google's > servers to be available, which introduces another point of failure into > our software. And, the terms of use state that Google can pull the plug > on it any time they want -- this is not unprecedented: they recently > ceased supporting an XML API to their search engine. Anyone that > interfaced with it had to somehow find out about it, migrate their code > to a completely different data format, and do so within Google's time frame. > > So, is the API available for download? If not, why not? Is it a > technical and/or legal issue? The terms of use mention the possibility > of a separate license from Google -- if hosting the API ourselves is not > possible otherwise, what is the next step to obtaining a license? > > Thanks in advance. I seem to be the only one with these concerns, which > I find hard to believe... doesn't anyone else feel the same way I do? > > Cheers, > Christopher --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Google Visualization API" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/google-visualization-api?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
