Supporting software built by customers from the source code
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I wonder if in open source world customers who build their own installations of, let's say, some advanced Linux software are entitled to get the same level of support as customers who install the software from installers built by software vendor. Even Microsoft now begins shipping some software with full source. Latest version of Enterprise Library for .NET is installed with full source code and solution files, and since the assemblies are not signed, users are expected to modify it by signing and generating strong names. But Enterprise Library is free, and there is no formal support agreement for it. But what about commercial software, especially in Linux world? Are you aware of any products that can be built by customers themselves and they will still be a subject of support agreement? TIA Вагиф Абилов MCP (Visual C++) Oslo, Norway If you're in a war, instead of throwing a hand grenade at the enemy, throw one of those small pumpkins. Maybe it'll make everyone think how stupid war is, and while they are thinking, you can throw a real grenade at them. Jack Handey.
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I wonder if in open source world customers who build their own installations of, let's say, some advanced Linux software are entitled to get the same level of support as customers who install the software from installers built by software vendor. Even Microsoft now begins shipping some software with full source. Latest version of Enterprise Library for .NET is installed with full source code and solution files, and since the assemblies are not signed, users are expected to modify it by signing and generating strong names. But Enterprise Library is free, and there is no formal support agreement for it. But what about commercial software, especially in Linux world? Are you aware of any products that can be built by customers themselves and they will still be a subject of support agreement? TIA Вагиф Абилов MCP (Visual C++) Oslo, Norway If you're in a war, instead of throwing a hand grenade at the enemy, throw one of those small pumpkins. Maybe it'll make everyone think how stupid war is, and while they are thinking, you can throw a real grenade at them. Jack Handey.
Usually in the OSS world you get the software for free, and pay for support. So I guess it depends on the terms of the support package - if SomeBigCompany release the source to TheirGreatProduct along side the binaries for TheirGreatProduct for Windows XP, would they provide support just for the officially released binary, rather than anyone else trying to rebuild it or modify it for their own needs -- Help me! I'm turning into a grapefruit! Buzzwords!