John,

I think we're on the same wavelength.

Ciao,
Michel.

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>>I am NOT entering the debate as to what you can or cannot write on this
>>forum.
>
>Thank-you
>
>>1) Could it be that Microsoft will look on this solution favourably
>>anyway, if only to eliminate the risk of lawsuits (while I do not believe
>>the recent Kaczmarek lawsuit has any merit, the fact is that it is bad press
>>and unnecessary time and money expense for Microsoft).
>
>I doubt it as it would set a very bad precedent. Fox 2.x was and is Y2K compliant. The issue rests with how you write software and understand the tool. If you understand the tool - and the software you write reflects that - you should be in good shape. Ms. Kaczmarek unfortunately - suffers from a lack of both it appears.
>
>>2) If David Martin is purely selling a patch, a quick read of my old
>>FoxPro for DOS licence does not seem to prevent a user from modifying
>>the ESL as long as reverse engineering is not involved.
>
>First, FoxPro DOS does not use an ESL - that is for FoxPro Windows. Second, it is a violation - according to folks at Microsoft. So, that point is moot.
>
>
>>The main, issue, however, is that the product addresses a very real
>>concern for those FP 2.x programmers who forgot that Year 2000 would
>>come around some day ! Some have tried to pass the buck, as recent
>>lawsuits show, but those who have not are left with a BIG headache.
>
>You know the old saying - its not the fiddle - its the fiddler... If they have a headache - it is of thier own making.... They all should call 1-900-who-cares. It's all a terrible use of the American Legal System. Of course, this is not the first time the system has been abused. And, I suspect it won't be the last.
>
>>Thus, with all the above in mind, as Evan implies it could well be that
>>David Martin may find Microsoft extremely favourable to the idea if
>>he decides to consult with them.
>
>The proper road to take was for him to approach MS first - not to go out to market first. That is just plain stupid. Remember, when we buy Fox - we really purchasing the right to use the software - that is what a software license is.