Guess what? The warranties for the operating systems and software that you depend on for your livelihood most likely cover essentially nothing. That means the products you paid big money for do not have to actually do anything. They don't have to be compatible with hardware or free of defects and viruses. They can contain known code defects—even internal copyright violations and trap doors. In fact, in some states, these products don't even have to work! The warranties for operating systems and software represent some of the most astounding bits of contractual sharp practices that we business technology consumers have ever permitted to ooze past our collective noses. In this Knowledge Briefing, Alan Plastow excerpts the standard “DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY” from many common license agreements and discusses how easily you manage to lose your rights.

Have you ever actually read a license agreement? This series of Knowledge Briefings takes a close look at licensing sharp practices and maybe even a few not-so-sharp ones. The clauses we discuss are from many of the actual license agreements to which you or your employees have probably legally bound your corporation. No matter what your company size, licensing documents represent a serious risk to your operations, your reputation, even your livelihood. Throughout the briefing, we provide a commentary about the risks and possible resolutions to the series of clauses we discuss. Let us know what you think.

The full text to this material can be found inside the members’ section: Knowledge Briefings, entitled “When Warranties are Without Warrant!” Sign in—it’s free and the value is becoming more incredible every week.

Absolute Key Knowledge: The license for the copyright protected product rules your relationship with the copyright holder—period—end of story. It doesn't matter if the license is garbage: You activated it as is and you are legally bound by the terms, conditions, and clauses. If and/or when you finally sit down and document the licenses for the copyrighted products that your company uses, you are in for a shock. We can help.

Please Note – As of September, 2007, the majority of detailed posts to this professional development web site are now being placed inside the members’ sign-in area. While several dozen articles will always remain in public view, the more substantial professional development and cost savings materials will be inside serving as benefits for those who wish to enhance their abilities at the professional level. Join with us in making your careers—and your personal lives--more productive and more effective.