Re: Re: slanted article "Inside System Storage -- by Tony Pearson"

On Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 8:20 PM, Paul Raulerson
<[email protected]> wrote:
> I like the way you think Ivan. :)
>
> On Sep 24, 2010, at 7:15 PM, Ivan Warren wrote:
>
>> >
>> > Make Hercules unable to run z/OS or z/VM except when it is running on IBM hardware.
>> >
>> > Make that rock solid impossible to bypass condition somehow - or have Roger or Jay express the desire to do so to IBM and gain their assistance in doing it - and IBM would almost certainly talk about licenses for major OS's under those provisions. At least for the sub 1000 MIP world.
>> >
>>
>> ..disregarding any point of validity about the theory..
>>
>> You can't do that *BECAUSE* (or is it thankfully to) of the Open Source
>> nature of hercules..
>>
>>
> Yes, but nothing says the IP owner cannot change his mind. It would be a hellacious
> battle after this long of a time (11 years? Seems like I remember compiling Herc in 1999...)
> but...
>
> I like you idea better, but I would still bet on IBM putting a software check in z/OS that depended upon a
> valid and encrypted key being there, if it is running on Hercules.  Or a USB dongle. Something unpleasant.
>
> Without it, all that will run is Linux, or some other variant like MVS or ancient VM.
>

Hercules already supplies various configuration values into low memory
like z/Processors.  Recent OS/390 and z/OS already shuts down after
IPL if the correct values are not present.  IBM supplies the customer
with value to put in the configuration file, and slightly modified
(one member with the encrypted key) version of z/OS that only runs
with the matching key value  PGP or some sort of public key.  Once up
queries IBM.com for current license status.

No / Minor changes to Hercules. Older operating systems run as is, or
as patched by IBM and installed by the customer's system programmer.
Breaking this encryption yet to be written has a chance of being
prosecuted.

<deleted>
-- 
Mike A Schwab, Springfield IL USA
Where do Forest Rangers go to get away from it all?