Software Developed Under GPL

[Franklin, Joel]

> A friend of mind is a Windows software developer.  He tells me that he
isn't interested
> in developing
> anything using Open Source tools because anything he develops will also be
open source
> and he
> wouldn't be able to sell it.  I think there is a way to use Open Source
tools and not
> necessarily be required
> to release the source for the resulting software.  Can you give some
advice that I can
> pass along to him and/or
> refer me to links that discuss this subject.

"A friend of mine is a Windows software developer. He tells me that he isn't
interested in developing anything using Microsoft tools because anything he
develops will also be a Microsoft tool and he wouldn't be able to sell it. I
think there is a way to use Microsoft tools and net necessarily be required
to make Microsoft the owner of the resulting software. Can you give some
advice that I can pass along to him..."

Point out the logical fallacies in my restatement of your questions. Point
out that the situation is no different for Borland development tools (may
they rest in peace), Sun development tools, etc. Point out that the same
logic applies to his belief regarding GNU development tools. While you're at
it, point out the presence of GNU utilities in the Windows NT 4.0 resource
kit and the GNU software available for download from Microsoft's web site
(sorry, lost the link on this one).

Also, point your friend in the direction of the "intellectual property FAQ"
(google for the bit in quotes), as it may clear up some of his more genearal
misconceptions regarding ownership of his copyrighted creations.

Joel Franklin
-------------
P.S. Whether or not your friend is himself a Microsoft tool is an open
question :)

On Sun, 16 Dec 2001, David P. Engvall wrote:

> kclug <<
> 

> 
> Thank you in advance.
> 
> Dave
> 
> 
> 
>