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I downloaded the msp430ware stuff, thinking it might help me.  Hidden in a file called MAP430ware_Manifest.html that it installed I found this:

4.     Audit Right.  At TI's request, and within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice, you shall permit an independent auditor selected by TI to have access, no more than twice each calendar year (unless the immediately preceding audit revealed a discrepancy) and during your regular business hours, to all of your equipment, records, and documents as may contain information bearing upon the use of the Licensed Materials, or any derivatives thereof,.  You shall keep full, complete, clear and accurate records with respect to product sales and distributions for a period beginning with the then-current calendar year and going back three (3) years.

I can assure you that I will remove this TI junk from my computer.  I'm worried that a clause like this is hidden in other TI stuff that I've downloaded.  I feel relatively certain that the boss won't allow an auditor in the front door.  It's a shame because on my last project here they made me use a PIC and I learned the hard way why it's considered to be a hobbyist processor.  I used Code Composer on a DSP project about 13 years ago and really liked it - that was before TI bought it, but they supported it with PRINTED documentation (those wonderful yellow books).

When a company is working on a defense-related project, how does anyone use a TI product?  I'm quite certain that access won't be provided for a vendor's auditor, especially when it is for a device like a microprocessor that can be provided by many sources.  On the bright side, I haven't started with the software yet, or even the uP hardware.

I also found this in the referenced document: "If you choose not to accept or agree with these provisions, do not download or install the Licensed Materials. "  I had to download it before I could read it.  This strikes me as being pretty slimy.

Does anyone know if Freescale and Intel have also become this slimy?  I don't want to use the PIC again because the "free" ($700) gnu-based compiler is so weak.

Thanks,

Bob