[horde] ActiveSync licensing

[Grouchy Sysadmin]

Quoting Michael J Rubinsky <mrubinsk at horde.org>:

> Quoting Ricardo Buchalla Auada <rauada at gmail.com>:
>
>> Hi there !
>>
>> I have tried to understand about the protocol ActiveSync licencing model.
>>
>> But the only information so far I have found is an email from Jan Schneider
>> explaining that if the server is hosted in Germany, there would have no
>> need for licensing ...
>>
>> https://lists.horde.org/archives/horde/Week-of-Mon-20120514/044258.html
>>
>> Can anyone bring some more light over this issue ?
>
> This is a complicated issue. As I have come to understand it, as the  
> developers of a FOSS project that implements the protocol we are  
> generally safe from the need for a license on the patent. As the  
> owner of a server that installs the code provides this service to  
> others, you may be required to license the patent. Another FOSS  
> project, Z-Push (who is based in the EU and whose code we forked  
> many years ago to base our ActiveSync library on) takes the view  
> that a license is not required for installing the server software.  
> You can Google for some of the discussions around that if you desire.
>
> In the US you are technically required to license the patent if you  
> are the owner of a server providing the protocol. In the EU I'm not  
> sure (I am based in the US and unfamiliar with European patent  
> issues). I do know that there have been licensing actions regarding  
> EAS in the EU involving large companies. Again, you can search for  
> the particulars on this.
>
> Additionally, it's hard to come by authoritative information without  
> speaking directly to MS since MS requires licensees to sign an NDA,  
> preventing them from discussing the details. Your best bet to be  
> 100% safe is to inquire with MS directly.
>
> Standard disclaimer applies: I am not a lawyer nor have I  
> contacted/received information from Microsoft regarding this issue.  
> This is simply MY understanding of the current status of the issue.
>
>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> --
>> Ricardo Buchalla Auada
>> --
>> Horde mailing list
>> Frequently Asked Questions: http://horde.org/faq/
>> To unsubscribe, mail: horde-unsubscribe at lists.horde.org
>
>
> -- 
> mike
> The Horde Project
> http://www.horde.org
> https://www.facebook.com/hordeproject
> https://www.twitter.com/hordeproject

I am also based in the US, and I spoke with MS about this a few years  
ago. My understanding is that using ActiveSync as part of a service,  
requires you to purchase licensing. The terms/pricing are covered by  
an NDA. Here's a starting point,  
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/IntellectualProperty/IPLicensing/Default.aspx and  
http://celaiplicensing.azurewebsites.net/pages/IPlicensing.aspx

Same standard disclaimer applies. Talk to Microsoft.