Theoretically, everything is clear: Whoever generates data also owns them. Practically speaking, this is not the case at all. As a rule, the data producers do not know what data is generated during a Google search or Amazon search, for example. They might know, because the basic data protection regulation, among other things, opens up the right to information – but who demands it? Even more nobody beings to think that the data stored on Google or Amazon actually belongs to the originators, i.e. the users…
Well, Google or Amazon are practically something like a public space. Behind the protective walls of a company, on the other hand, things should be quite different. Here the data is part of the business foundation. They form a treasure that is part of business processes to lift and exploit. Those who evaluate their data can react better to changes. Those who make it available – for example via mobile devices – or continue to use it on the Internet of Things, ensure greater transparency and agility. This is what digital change wants.
Only the license models of some software houses do not provide for this generous handling of their own data. The IT user association VOICE has therefore now filed a complaint against SAP based on two legal opinions on the subject of Open Access. According to VOICE, the legal opinions come to the conclusion that the SAP license provisions are illegal for so-called indirect use and that the software manufacturer is thus abusing its strong position in the market for business software vis-à-vis its customers. VOICE therefore urges SAP to make its license terms for indirect use / digital access more user-friendly and transparent in order not to burden users with fees and expose them to incalculable cost risks in times of digital transformation. «The market for third-party applications must be kept open,» says VOICE.
We at actesy are convinced that the connection of digital worlds on process as well as on data level opens the decisive advantage and holds incredible potential for new business models. With the actesy metadata framework, we have therefore created an infrastructure with which new applications such as mobile apps or cloud services can access the data in existing company solutions – and vice versa. At the same time, we are able to combine old and new applications in a common workflow process. Our mission statement is: connecting digital worlds.
We agree with VOICE’s assessment that the licensing isolation of data is counterproductive in a digitized world. In the age of industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things it would be fatal if every access to existing data caused additional fees. Then no integration project will pay off – except for the licensor.
One thing must remain clear: the data always belongs to whoever is causing it. An access to it – no matter from which system – may not be charged additionally via fees. We at actesy are convinced that this is an old business practice that belongs in the garbage heap of digitalization.
However, we are also sure that access via our metadata framework is based on the practice of licensing. Open Access is the prerequisite for a successful digital strategy. Skeptical? Then test us. We look forward to hearing from you at info@actesy.com
See you on your next digital project!
