> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Schram [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
...
>
>
> At 8:23 AM -0800 2000/03/23, Richard Hartman wrote:
> >If Palm's contract with Kadak says that kernel functions can not
> >be part of the SDK then those functions should not be in the header
> >files that Palm is distributing under the collective name of "PalmOS
> >SDK" or you are in violation of your contract with Kadak.
> >
> >I think you guys better talk w/ your laywers.
>
> I do so hate getting involved in these sorts of pointless
> discussions, especially when fueled by analogies and heresy,
> but I'm going to have to clarify this before someone gets hurt. ;o)
I agree -- I'm not really trying to be obtuse, but I don't
want to see Palm hurt ... it would take away one of my favorite
pastimes!
> Palm's contract with Kadak states (in short) that Kadak APIs
> are for Operating System Use Only, and that Palm cannot
> provide information on Kadak APIs to external developers
> unless said developers first obtain a license to use those
> APIs from Kadak and subsequently provide Palm with copy of evidence.
>
> This does NOT preclude the existence of system-use-only trap
> constants and/or function prototypes provided in public
> headers files, nor does it preclude the exposure of Kadak
> functionality within the operating system boundaries (the
> "storefront window" effect).
By the "storefront window" effect, do you mean Kadak functionality
wrapped by Palm APIs? I can see how that could be allowed. But
I am still unclear on how providing Kadak function prototypes
does not equate to Palm "providing information on Kadak APIs".
Of course, I must assume you are more conversant w/ the legalities
involved and that it is, in fact, kosher.
I just saw what looked to be a potential serious vulnerability
and yelled "fire!" ... perhaps a bit too soon. :-}
>
> Bob's analogy to DVD licenses may not have been 100%
> right-on, but it's a fair analogy nonetheless. When you
> purchase and/or develop software for a Palm OS device, you
> are allowed to use Palm's DOCUMENTED APIs.
The question is whether inclusion in the headers is enough
to consider it a documented API, or whether that status is
conferred only by presence in the actual documentation. Consider
that the header files themselves -can- be considered to be
documentation of sorts.
But, as someone else said, this is getting way off the
technical subjects that are the charter of this list,
so I'll just take it as a given that you've reviewed
your vulnerabilities and have considered them to be
acceptable.
--
-Richard M. Hartman
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
186,000 mi./sec ... not just a good idea, it's the LAW!
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