C# expiration date

Question

I am working with a C#.net 2008 console/windows form application that has imbedded third components. The third part components are written with visual studio.net 2005 and possibly some other language.

My question is, do you know of some why I can see if the third party components will expire at somec point? Basically is there something I can look at to see if those components will stop executing at some point? If so, can you point me to a how to determine what the expiration date is and/or point me to a url I can use as a reference?

Vulpes · Answer

If you don't have the source code or documentation and there's no 'about box' then probably the only way to find out would be to ask the vendor. However it's unlikely that they would have an expiration date unless they were 'beta' or 'trial' versions. A more likely scenario is that they were originally purchased with free updates and/or support for a limited period which has now expired but the components will continue to work as they originally did.

Sam Hobbs · Answer

There should be a user agreement (EULA) somewhere. If it is software that the developer and/or owner intend to make money selling then they have a legal agreement that you (whoever is the legal owner of the software you are developing) are expected to be aware of. It is nearly certain that they make it clear how to get in touch with them. Some software such as Crystal Reports are purchased on a subscription basis. It is possible for the software to be licensed like that but it is relatively unusual.