No one is keeping you from downloading the source code and compiling.
It's straightforward and free.
Andreas
On 23/04/2014 4:43, Cygler, Miroslaw wrote:
Hi,
I have inquired at Schrodinger about the licensing for PyMol. I was
surprised by their answer. The access to PyMol is only through a yearly
licence. They do not offer the option of purchasing the software and
using the obtained version without time limitation. This policy is very
different from many other software packages, which one can use without
continuing licensing fees and additional fees are only when an upgrade
is needed. At least I believe that Office, EndNote, Photoshop and others
are distributed this way.
I also remember very vividly the Warren’s reason for developing PyMol,
and that was the free access to the source code. He later implemented
fees for downloading binary code specific for one’s operating system but
there were no time restrictions on its use.
As far as I recollect, Schrodinger took over PyMol distribution and
development promising to continue in the same spirit. Please correct me
if I am wrong.
I find the constant yearly licensing policy disturbing and will be
looking for alternatives. I would like to hear if you have had the same
experience and what you think about the Schrodinger policy.
Best wishes,
Mirek
--
Andreas Förster
Crystallization and X-ray Facility Manager
Centre for Structural Biology
Imperial College London
