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April 30, 2007 | Comments: (0)

I just don't understand Red-Gate

TAGS: None

I've been meaning to post this for quite some time, but I got hung up with a few things that took my attention.  However, I think it's important to post this update to the Red-Gate licensing post because they've really gone out of their way to make things right.  The question is... have they succeeded?  Here are the first 2 posts on the topic:

Use Red-Gate's backup... and Go to Jail???

Red-Gate Answers Back

In short, Red-Gate has changed their license to better reflect what they intended (I suppose), and they are no longer saying that you cannot transfer your license to another server if you need to.  What they're saying now is that you can transfer it once, and if you need to do it more, you can ask their permission.  Only ONCE?  Sorry guys, I just don't get it.  Why once?  A simple mistake could put me in the throws of Red-Gate support explaining how I deployed it to the wrong server by accident, or how our strategy changed all of a sudden.  And yeah, the license does say that they won't turn down any reasonable request, but still, I shouldn't have to do that, should I?

The problem is, I'm not sure they've really addressed all that much in their new license.  I mean, at least you can get permission from them, but how do you know what's going to change the license on a box?  You've still got the same problem you always did, only now at least you know how many activations you've had on a given box... assuming that you've written a little repository to keep up with that kinda thing.  See, that's what I mean though;  this is just getting harder to manage, because now I've got to write an application to keep track of all my activations, and that's extra work.  I'm assuming that you already know the reasons why you wouldn't use excel for such a thing.  Oh, I suppose you could half-ass it and just fly by the seat of your pants and not record any of your activations, and just take them as they come up.  But I know none of my readers would be that sloppy, so you'll have to write something that lets you enter in the keys and manage them when you decommission servers and throw your Red-Gate licenses back into the general pool.  If I were you, since they're in the UK, I would have 3 categories of keys:  those currently assigned to a server, those in the general pool waiting to be assigned, and Olivers.  Olivers are the ones where you're about to have to go beg for some more.

Anyway, for better or for worse, at least you know where you stand on your licenses now, so some good has come of this.  Is it the best you could hope for?  Probably not, but it's a good start.  If you guys are still sore about it, then be sure to tell Red-Gate, I'm sure they'll listen if enough of you complain. 

And as usual, here's the link to the license, and I've pasted the relevant portion here.

All software is licensed on a per computer basis. For example, if you wish to use SQL Backup on more than one computer you will need an additional license for each additional computer on which the software is downloaded and installed. Notwithstanding this, your license may be transferred once between computers or servers, for example where you are decommissioning or upgrading those computers or servers. If you exceed that number of activations, you will need to contact Red Gate Software to obtain their consent to the transfer. Red Gate Software will not unreasonably withhold their consent to your request.

Posted by Sean McCown on April 30, 2007 09:44 PM

April 17, 2007 | Comments: (0)

Inspiration

TAGS: General Database

Apparently I inspire people.

Posted by Sean McCown on April 17, 2007 11:32 AM

April 09, 2007 | Comments: (0)

The New Dynamic Duo

TAGS: SQL Server

Last week I watched a really good episode of SSWUG TV. Stephen interviewed Paul Randal and Kim Tripp in the hallway of the hotel. First, let me say that I've never seen either of them look happier. They were laughing and giddy the whole time, which really shows how good they are for each other. That aside though, this interview was exactly what you would expect when SQL experts of their caliber get together in one place. They touched a lot on recovery and the things you can do to bring your DB back up if you have a problem. I'm sure a lot of these things are unknown to a lot of DBAs simply because dispite what our Oracle counterparts say, SQL Server doesn't go down all that often, so recovery skills are hard to develop and keep unless your on the PSS team.

So I seriously advise all of you guys to go watch this episide because it'll expose you to some things you've never heard of, and at least you'll know they exist. Then if you want more specifics, you can write your local MVP or anyone else really, and get some more info. Or you can just wait for Paul's whitepaper that he PROMISED ON FILM. I think he said he's trying to have it ready for this summer sometime. Don't worry though. I'll setup a SQL job to email him every day until it's ready.

But it's a fun interview, and I highly suggest that everyone go check it out. It's here.

I'm serious though... these two were just having a blast. They really are the new dynamic duo. I kept expecting them to say "Wonder Twin powers: Activate". I'm happy for you guys. You really agree with each other. And Kim, I have no doubt that Paul beats you at that game all the time.

Posted by Sean McCown on April 9, 2007 08:43 AM