Hi All, Summery -
1) Can I legally use Java Web Start to distribute Java 3D [3]? 2) How do I comply with US export regulations? 3) Will the long awaited auto-install environment ever turn up, and will it help? I know this subject comes up quite frequently, but I really need to know what to do. To this end I have collected a number of quotes from this list and the license that I have been looking through over the last couple of days and let people comment on it. It seems to me there is a requirement for some sort of clarification on this subject, especially as it seems that the same conditions would hold for distributing the main Java RTE, so it must come up a lot. I asked a license question in March [6] and I got a variety of responses, but mostly confusion. The response from Sun was that you need to include all of Java 3D and the users need to agree to the license, but no mention was made of export regulations and the use of Java Web Start was not mentioned. OK, so I shall start with license quotes - "Sun Microsystems allows vendors to distribute the Java 3D(TM) Runtime environment with their Java programs, provided they follow the terms of the Java 3D(TM) Binary Code License and Supplemental License Terms agreement." [1] This agreement sets out a number of requirements, of which I see the problem ones as [2] - 2. (i) distribute the Software complete and unmodified and only bundled as part of your Programs, 2. (iv) only distribute the Software subject to a license agreement that protects Sun's interests consistent with the terms contained in this Agreement, 7. Export Regulations. All Software and technical data delivered under this Agreement are subject to US export control laws and may be subject to export or import regulations in other countries. You agree to comply strictly with all such laws and regulations and acknowledge that you have the responsibility to obtain such licenses to export, re-export, or import as may be required after delivery to you. Concerning 2. (i), and from [1] "Don't arbitrarily subset Java 3D(TM). You may, however, omit those files that have been designated below as "optional". So you can use your own installation procedure, not just send out the supplied bundle. This is assuming you get the user to agree to the license, as from 2.(vi). This means that you could use Java Web Start to install Java 3D as described in [3]. Presumably this would be made easier by the long awaited auto-install environment [4]. The most important thing is that users must not need root/administrator privileges to install my program. This is probably the biggest problem with Sun's install program. Then we get to the problem of 7. Export Regulations. I do not know what these regulations state (anyone know a link?) but I am guessing it is something similar to the license for Java 3D 1.1.3 [4] - 8. <snip> Software may not be downloaded, or otherwise exported or re-exported (A) into, or to a national or resident of, Cuba, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Libya, Sudan, Syria or any country to which the U.S. has embargoed goods; or (B) to anyone on the U.S. Treasury Department's list of Specially Designated Nations or the U.S. Commerce Department's Table of Denial Orders. It has been stated on this list that this means if you are to make the software available for download you must have reverse ip checking [5]. I am not sure that this would be sufficient and/or required. Sufficient as it must be very easy to get round it (by open proxys, signing up for free accademic services in an allowed country or even dialup to a foreign ISP), and the regulation above says by a national or resident of the country, so they may be working for us in the UK. Required as if it does not do the job then is it necessary? Is there any legal president in this matter, or any other legal resource that I can look at for advice. www.blackdown.org has the same license, but does not have the security against downloading without agreeing to the license that Sun does. I cannot check whether it has reverse ip checking. I am not sure what the auto-install environment will involve, but I guess it will download Java 3D from the sun site [7], and that would solve the problem as long as it is a one-click process for the user and they do not need root/administrator privileges. But only if it ever turns up. Anyone fancy commenting on the likelihood of that? Cheers for any help or comments, and sorry it is so long Hugh [1] README.java3d.solaris.txt, from java3d-1_3-beta2-doc.tar [2] Binary Code License Agreement JAVA 3D[TM] API, VERSION 1.3, FCS RELEASE, from http://java.sun.com/products/java-media/3D/java3d-1_3-license.html (NOTE - basicly the same as the one for the Java RTE) [3] http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jsp?forum=38&thread=166873 [4] http://java.sun.com/products/java-media/3D/1.1.3/java3d-license.html [5] http://swjscmail1.java.sun.com/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0203&L=java3d-interest&D=0&P=445 48 [6] http://swjscmail1.java.sun.com/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0203&L=java3d-interest&D=0&P=416 39 [7] http://swjscmail1.java.sun.com/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0203&L=java3d-interest&D=0&P=405 91 <rant> Why do I have to go to all these resources to find an incomplete answer? Surly there should be an answer to this question set out in plain English so people know what they can and cannot do? </rant> <another rant> The export regulations of java may be awkward, but they are nothing to those for Java CC, and we are told to install that for developing the Xj3D library. They exclude half the world if I read them right!! (http://www.webgain.com/java_cc_web_sla.html) </another rant> =========================================================================== To unsubscribe, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and include in the body of the message "signoff JAVA3D-INTEREST". For general help, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and include in the body of the message "help".
