The rumors late last year have now proven to be true: certain businesses can now purchase Rental Rights copies of various editions of both Windows and Office. Windows and Office licenses don’t allow the software to be rented, leased or outsourced to a third person or party. Therefore, many organizations that rent/lease desktop computers are not compliant with licensing requirements. Places in violation would include businesses such as Internet cafes, hotel or airport Internet kiosks, and even stores such as Rent A Center. This is where Rental Rights comes into play. It’s a way for these types of organizations to obtain a waiver of these licensing restrictions, by purchasing a one-time license transaction… which is valid for the life of the machine.

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Earlier tonight, I ran across a press release from the FBI. As I read it, I nearly screamed out loud at my computer. In short, the release is warning computer users of the dangers of a malware infection commonly referred to as Zlob. This infection will cause popups on your desktop, warning you that you are infected, and should download such-and-such software to cure this problem. Welcome to our world, FBI folks… a tad late.

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Google. The brand built on free and open has released a phone that sells for $529 (without a contract), and is limited to “some” GSM networks. Oops! Sorry CDMA, and other GSM clients.

Where’s the disruption? Where’s the free ad-supported phone? Where’s the phone that will work on any network? Where are the aps?!

This is equivalent to Microsoft making a desktop computer. They know better, apparently Google does not. What were they thinking? It confuses customers, angers partners, and weakens the brand.

Google, I think you should have waited until next year to open this late Christmas present. Wait for truly free networks, wait until your mobile ads have proven they’re able to support a free device. Wait for something revolutionary. What do you think about the Google Phone?