[Koha] Proposal To Switch Koha's License to GPLv3 and AGPLv3 or AGPLv3

[MJ Ray]

Chris Nighswonger <cnighswonger at foundations.edu> wrote:
> Given that this discussion has been somewhat carried on through the
> wiki (http://wiki.koha-community.org/wiki/General_Meeting,_June_2_2010),
> I thought it would be good to keep it on list as well.

I only added a link back to this thread.  No new discussion was raised
there.  I agree that it's good to keep it nearly all on list.

Small update on the above from the meeting: thd will be emailing the
list with a summary of discussions he's had with SFLC.

> [...] A vendor would have to deliberately remove or disable
> this functionality to prevent a client from retrieving a full copy of
> their database.

Of course any vendor locking clients in will disable that!

> (Of course any client who contracts with a vendor
> *without* writing data protection assurances into their contract is
> asking for trouble to start with.)

I feel that any client who contracts with a vendor without writing
code access assurances in to their contract is asking for trouble to
start with.  AGPLv3 is unnecessary with good vendors and does not
prevent lock-in vendors from locking clients in.  Basically, it's much
pain for no gain.

> The matter of "onerous burdens on friendly hosters" has been addressed
> in previous communications and so those arguments are not repeated
> here.

Yes, it's been addressed, not answered.  Let's see what thd reports.

Regards,
-- 
MJ Ray (slef)  Webmaster and LMS developer at     | software
www.software.coop http://mjr.towers.org.uk        |  .... co
IMO only: see http://mjr.towers.org.uk/email.html |  .... op