Campaign for Clear Licensing Launched
The ‘Barium Manifesto’ back in December stated the need to ‘Shake things up’ in the software licensing industry and create an industry regulator.
We’ve been busy building since then. I’m pleased to share with you that since January we have:
- Created a legal entity (not-for-profit limited by guarantee)
- Written a manifesto (Thanks to Kylie Fowler, Rory Canavan and Martin Chalkley for their support with this)
- Built a website www.clearlicensing.org
- And perhaps most importantly – received the support of some significant software buyers to support us
This new regulator aims to add much-needed transparency to an overly complex and unfair market, levelling the playing field between giant software vendors and the end-user.
Our mandate is to promote adherence to a new code of conduct and highlight foul play publicly.
Mission:
The Campaign for Clear Licensing will work with software publishers, end users and the reseller community to reduce the indirect costs of using commercial software by improving the clarity and usability of software license terms and conditions and developing a code of conduct for use by the industry when resolving disputes, including during audits.
The ‘Campaign for Clear Licensing’ website is here:
We would really appreciate your feedback. This is an industry effort and requires your support to succeed. Please download the manifesto and provide your critique (Publicly, privately or anonymously).
Thanks, Martin
- Tags: Barium Manifesto · Campaign for Clear Licensing · CCL
About Martin Thompson
Martin is also the founder of ITAM Forum, a not-for-profit trade body for the ITAM industry created to raise the profile of the profession and bring an organisational certification to market. On a voluntary basis Martin is a contributor to ISO WG21 which develops the ITAM International Standard ISO/IEC 19770.
He is also the author of the book "Practical ITAM - The essential guide for IT Asset Managers", a book that describes how to get started and make a difference in the field of IT Asset Management. In addition, Martin developed the PITAM training course and certification.
Prior to founding the ITAM Review in 2008 Martin worked for Centennial Software (Ivanti), Silicon Graphics, CA Technologies and Computer 2000 (Tech Data).
When not working, Martin likes to Ski, Hike, Motorbike and spend time with his young family.
Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.
In case it is not obvious – the scope for this is a) International and b) all software (on premise, cloud, service). More info in the manifesto.