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We have had an approach from a journalist of the Australian online media.  I enclose a few cuttings from the reply I sent:

'We have made an arrangement with a software developer to write us a program which issues confirmation codes in place of the system which MYOB Pty Ltd (the Australian parent) is turning off.  '

'Most of our members have been using the product for many years without an upgrade .....  Contrary to what Mamut imply the world of accounting moves very slowly.  It is very difficult to imagine any changes which will prevent the use of this excellent software by small businesses for at least a decade.  It is likely that as an association we can adapt our way around any future legislative changes.  A quarter of our membership are past professional partners of MYOB UK and have tons of expertise. '


'Have Mamut and MYOB breached your licence terms?' 

'In our view they have.  MYOB and Mamut believe that they have some justification to force us to cease using the software that was bought and paid for.  Mamut argue that they want users to transfer to their new alternative software.  Our view is that they have no right to turn off our software. It was not rented.  It was bought outright and the licence confirms this. '

'This is a cynical exercise to get users to upgrade to very expensive software that they do not need, and which is very difficult to use.'

'MYOB Pty are obliged to confirm the datafiles.  That they have decided not to do so any more is a clear breach of terms, which we are seeking to remedy by a voluntary association. '

'It is outrageous that a company like MYOB with a supposedly high ethical standard should collude in this cynical nonsense.  Australians should be worried - your software has the same 'Digital Rights Management' that allows MYOB centrally to turn off versions that they no longer approve of you using.  Using the argument that they need to 'sunset' software they can make your datafiles also turn to read only, thereby making them unuseable.'

Yes, you've heard it right.  The Apple Store was selling a successor product for a one - off £190.  Unfortunately the product still had Digital Rights Management reconfirmations.  However the Apple Store was clear that the product would work without any further payments.

But now the Apple Store is now no longer selling Mamut Accountedge.  This now means that it is impossible to buy a successor product to MYOB on either Mac or PC without also agreeing to a compulsory rental disguised as a service contract.


 

The association has taken possession of the Key generator spreadsheet that will allow members to renew their MYOB datafiles.  This spreadsheet will be held here at the association.  It cannot be issued publicly, lest it be cracked to offer a general alternative to legitimate registering MYOB-related products. 

We have also created the database necessary to transmit user details (and in particular the 12 digit serial number and the 10 digit company file code). 

We are incorporated and have the bank account necessary to accept membership applications.  We are shortly to issue the first invitations to join to potential members.  You can now join online.

Welcome to MYOB Users Ltd.

The plans are now all laid.  We are expecting to earn a secure manner of issuing reconfirmation codes to our members within the next month.