--------------------------<snip>--------------------------
IFAPRDxx really isn't a key. You have to turn it on for each product to
use it, but there is no key that only works on your CPU. I'm not sure
just what IBM's reasoning behind IFAPRD is, but the only way IBM could
limit your use of different software products using IFAPRD would be if
IBM was present during your IPLs and monitored IFAPRD's contents just
after the IPL.
------------------------<unsnip>--------------------------
But why couldn't IFAPRDxx contain a vendor's key in one of the supported
fields, instead of a "english description" of the software, for example?
The key could be maintained "on the fly" (checked daily by the vendor
package until expiration; then checked at each invocation) and all the
keys would be in one simple, central repository. And why can't vendor
code provide timely expiration warnings? And reasonable "grace periods"
after expiration or for DR purposes? Comments were that the accounting
department might be a little slow in reacting to a required renewal.
Give them their due; they're trying to be protective of company assets,
too. And some organizations, like my last one, require that the Legal
department ALSO review anything and everything. So Accounting may be
willing to cut the check, but Legal may be "resting on its laurels" and
delaying the process.
Vendors have an obligation to their shareholders to protect their
intellectual property, and try to limit liability in case of abuses; I
can accept that. But let's face it, some vendors' pricing practices are
downright PREDATORY. First they hook you into using their products,
then impose unconscionable price increases after the so-called
"introductory period". In my personnal experience, one vendor sent 9
marketting reps to my office, when all I had requested was a copy of the
proposed contract, which could have been FAXed to me! Bloated marketting
staff with nothing to do; I'm sure other areas of staff are similarly
bloated; all these things contribute to high prices and loss of
fexibility. Compuware built a nice shiny new headquarters building in
downtown Detroit, then promptly laid off 5,000 people to "cut costs".
Too many "pencil pushers" and not enough technicians!
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