Legal Issues

[rodrix]

Hi everyone!

I am looking foward to distributing my software commercialy. That is, selling it through a web-site.

However, to tell you the truth, I got Visual-Studio 6 Proffesional Edition copy from a friend, so I got no real license.

What must I do in order sell my software legally?
1) How expensive is the Visual Basic License? Must the license be renewed every some period of time?
2) I am using Access Database in my software to access SQL queries and stuff. Must I also pay for a Microsoft Office License, or the final user should pay for it?
If the user doesn't have installed Microsoft Office my program won't work?
3) I am using Scripting Runtime Reference, as well as other references and special Controls. If all Dll's are included, how can I assure that the the soft will work correctly?. Do I have to pay license for each new Reference or control that I use?

Thanks so much everyone!

Cheers,
Rod

[Al42]

I am looking foward to distributing my software commercialy. That is, selling it through a web-site.

However, to tell you the truth, I got Visual-Studio 6 Proffesional Edition copy from a friend, so I got no real license.

What must I do in order sell my software legally?

Buy a legal copy of VB6.

1) How expensive is the Visual Basic License?

It's not currently being sold, so you'll have to buy it from someone who owns a copy and wants to sell it to you. (That means that he has to completely remove it from his computer and sell you all the original materials.)

Must the license be renewed every some period of time?

No.

2) I am using Access Database in my software to access SQL queries and stuff. Must I also pay for a Microsoft Office License, or the final user should pay for it?

Are you a) automating Access, or b) just using an .mdb file as your database?

If a), the user has to own a copy of Access. If b), no one needs Access.

If the user doesn't have installed Microsoft Office my program won't work?

Again, if you're automating Access, the user has to have Access installed. If you're just using an Access .mdb file, the user doesn't.

3) I am using Scripting Runtime Reference, as well as other references and special Controls. If all Dll's are included, how can I assure that the the soft will work correctly?. Do I have to pay license for each new Reference or control that I use?

Not if the things you're using are part of VB or are freeware. If you're using something that has to be paid for, it depends on the license you own for it - some allow you to distribute, some require the user to pay.

[rodrix]

Thanks sooo much!

Crystal clear!
One question though...
Does the license contain a name? I mean, how will Microsoft know that I have acquired a legal license if I buy a copy from a friend?

Thanks!
Cheers,
Rod

[randem]

Buying from a non Microsoft acknowledged source is not legal in their eyes.

[rodrix]

... I guess then that the best question would be:
How does Microsoft know that my company that is selling software made with their product doesn't have a legal license?
Even better, how do they know that my software is made with their software? (Do they spend time looking at the DLL's Dependencies and check if it's VB?)

Thanks so much in advance!
Rod

[RobDog888]

Not sure, but all they have to do is ask you for your legal license for your VB copy. Your in a defenfensive stance as you need to prove your legal vs then having to prove you illegal. They can perfoem an audit on MS Licenses and if you dont have it they can give you a fine.

If you are displaying Access at all in any way then your users will need to purchase Access or have a legal license for it. You can not distribute Access at all. Only the Data Access Components are redistributable in the form of MDAC.

[rodrix]

...no.. I am just using the .mdb files for accessing the information.

Yeah.. the thing is that I don't want to be fooled buying a license that's not valid... Many licenses are sold over the internet for example. Many just the license, no software copy.

Any guys have experience in acquiring a license?

Thanks so much everyone,
Rod

[RobDog888]

Cant say that I have ever had the need but I do know that MS does have the ability to downgrade a current license version to a previous one. Perhaps they may have something for purchasing VB.NET and then downgrade the license to VB 6 but I wouldnt recommend it as VB.NET will probably be just as much if not more the VB 6 (if you can find a legitimate legal copy). Plus, VB.NET is better but a completely different language as VB 6 code is not compatible or reliably upgradeable.

[randem]

No, I just purchase my software from an authorized Microsoft Vendor...