open source licensing ... just a double check

[marco_firbs]

Hi SDK Authors,

We're about to release an application that makes use of FSUIPC to read data from MSFS.

There are plenty of commercial, closed-source apps that make use of FSUIPC, so it leads me to believe the licensing for the api/library is pretty liberal, more or less public domain.

Is this the case? We are releasing our software under the 2-clause BSD license, and we don't want to step on anyones toes. =)

Soto boil it down. Does the licensing of the FSUIPC api/library allow for "free for anyone, for any use" licensing? We're specifically interested on the stance re: usage in VB.Net, but eventually VC++.

Thanks!

marco

[Pete Dowson]

Does the licensing of the FSUIPC api/library allow for "free for anyone, for any use" licensing? We're specifically interested on the stance re: usage in VB.Net, but eventually VC++.

Use of any of the interface coding is free. The parts that aren't mine were donated for general use. The mechanics of the interface itself originated back in FS95 days, though the current version derives from an FS98 interface. Of course the data and facilities provided through it have come a long way since then.

The access through the interface to FS needs an access Key, however. This is generated specifically for each application needing it. the source code (VB or C/C++) doesn't matter. Access keys for freeware are provided free, but those for commercial products or actual commercial (profit-making) use are subject to agreement, on terms which are individually negotiated for each company or group.

For more information please see the access registration document inside the FSUIPC SDK. Contact me at petedowson@btconnect.com when you want to go further.

Regards,

Pete