The Register: Caldera defends pay-to-play license

Jun 27, 2001, 18:30 (90 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by Andrew Orlowski)

Noting that free downloads of its OpenWorkstation product are still available, Caldera has issued a defense of its "per system" licensing practice, reported here two days ago.

"Caldera lost $900,000 per week net last quarter, and Hughes justifies the licensing fee on the grounds that customers want to know the company will be in a shape to stick around.

"We are in business to make money ... listening to our customers, they want a global and viable company," said Hughes. "Developers need to have a company that is there that is going to be there for the long-term. "

...Caldera had received many requests that it continue free downloads, many of which had come from freeloaders. "That's when you find your customers aren't really your customers," said Hughes."

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• Change for Caldera OpenLinux Workstation 3.1 Will Require "Per System" Licenses(Jun 26, 2001)