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You're paying for an "if something goes wrong and it's the software's fault you can sue us" license

You're not. Approximately 25% of SQL Server EULA text deals with ways in which the warranty is limited. The best the license gives you is your money back if you prove that it was the software's fault.

Of course, you can always sue. A $2T company. Good luck with that.

Went to post the same thing but HN had a little downtime burp.

Would only add that the main reason people buy these licenses, apart from familiarity, is so they can shift the blame if something goes wrong. Its all about ass covering.

Well, this and

1) the illusion of "support" 2) OSS-fearing companies' love of indemnification

it likely wasnt downtime and rather a "you are posting too many messages and we will pretend that the whole site is down rather than telling you"

You’re presumably paying for a relationship with someone who has expertise.

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