>Interesting. I'm pretty sure I can rent a computer for a week (say) that has software loaded on it...Able to last time I checked (a couple of years ago).
>
Nancy:

That's just a little different from the MicroPro case. When you rent a computer with software installed, what you are getting is a temporary transfer of the license to use the software -- because while you are using it, the lessor cannot also be using it.

In the MicroPro case, the holder of the license kept the software in a central location and rented its use to remote users, in effect allowing more than one user access at the same time. MicroPro cried foul since it made it money selling software. If one buyer could then rent the program to many other people, allowing them access to it, MicroPro would lose all those sales.

Actually, though, when you rent a computer with software installed, the lessor has probably not recorded the transfer of the license with the software vendors, which under most software licenses is a requirement for a transfer -- so it is definately a gray area right now.

regards,