IPR and support

[mudskipper]

Former client (happy customer!) contacted me to ask me to make changes to another of their systems. Spoke to their user who explained the issues (combination of fixes and enhancements). Sounded like a few days work, and relatively straightforward until I spoke to their IT department and asked for sight of the source code so I could provide an accurate estimate. "Oh, we don't have the source code". My understanding is that the original developer built the product for them, but retained the IPR. He can (or will) no longer support the system. He has offered to sell the source code to my client for what they feel is an unreasonable amount. (I've no idea of the figures involved nor how to judge whether they are reasonable). I suggested to the client that, as he can't support it, they could suggest he sub-contracts the support to another developer (me), but they don't think he'd go for that.

I suspect the answer's "No", but do they have any other options apart from stumping up for the source code, or redeveloping the product?

Thanks

[Scoobos]

If its written in .NET then you could attempt to extrapolate the source code using .NET reflector, or ILSpy.

[Notascooby]

Get them to check their contract carefully, seems very strange that the developer managed to hold on to the IPR - well done them if they did!

[mudskipper]

If its written in .NET then you could attempt to extrapolate the source code using .NET reflector, or ILSpy.

I know the last job I picked up that he'd had a hand in was obfuscated with Xenocode.

Get them to check their contract carefully, seems very strange that the developer managed to hold on to the IPR - well done them if they did!

If it was anything like the job I did for them, the contract was a PO and a couple of emails, but mine was only 10 days work. Small company - friend of someone who worked there - I suspect there was trust involved. (I have already suggested they check the contract though)

[cojak]

Then I'm afraid that this is going to teach them to treat IPR and contractual arrangements more seriously than they have in the past.

I think he's got them over a barrel. Without a contract he can just sit on the code. Ask them what's cheaper - buying the source from him or starting again from scratch.

And if they say 'it's the principle..' tell them there are no principles in business, only negotiated contracts.