Msg: 6527 *Conference*

05-14-96 15:15:24

From: RON WIESEN

To : ALL

Subj: MICROSOFT KEEPS SOURCE CODE (SEE MSG#6538)

The Permission Department of Microsoft responded by FAX to my request.  The
attached file is that FAX except I've obscured my FAX number.  Microsoft denies
permission for disclosure of source code documentation.  But the FAX is not
specific to model.
 
My request covers six models.  It cites what we know, that Microsoft is
copyright author for the Radio Shack Models 100 and 102 and for the Tandy Model
200.  Because it's not known by us, my request cites no author for the Kyocera
Model Kyotronic-85 or for the NEC Models PC8201a and PC8300.  Clearly the
Microsoft FAX settles, to our dismay, the copyright issue for three models.
Consequently there's no need to address underlying software license issues with
Tandy.  But it's not clear whether Microsoft has copyright for the other three
models.
 
Here's where you can help Gary.  Is there some clue in your NEC laptops that
indicates that Microsoft is author of the operating systems?  For example,
where you invoke BASIC does a brag line with the Microsoft name appear as it
does in the Radio Shack and Tandy models?  If so, then the FAX from Microsoft
applies to five of six models.  If not, then we must pursue NEC as a first
contact and perhaps some other firm to settle the copyright issue for the NEC
models.  I leave this ball in your court Gary.  If you can't resolve it I'll
seek clarification from Microsoft.
 
Likewise for anyone in this conference who can clarify authorship for the
Kyocera Model Kyotronic-85.  We do know that the Radio Shack Model 100, with
its Microsoft operating system, is fabricated by Kyocera Electronics.  But that
doesn't prove that the Kyotronic-85 operating system author is Microsoft.  Can
anyone clarify?

*Enclosed File: microsoftfax