News:

Bored?  Looking to kill some time?  Want to chat with other SMF users?  Join us in IRC chat or Discord

Main Menu

Introducing Simple Machines LLC

Started by Joseph, November 27, 2006, 05:50:05 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Joseph

The Simple Machines Team is proud to announce the founding of Simple Machines LLC, the new business entity created specifically to promote and build the Simple Machines organization. Simple Machines LLC was registered in the state of Arizona on October 23 and the transfer of copyrights from Lewis Media Inc. were completed on November 24 during a three-day retreat in Tucson, AZ.

David Recordon, Past Project Manager said, "The transition of ownership from Lewis Media to the new business structure marks a significant milestone in the history of the SMF project. The Simple Machines team has long been working towards a more structured and independent business model, and this registration solidifies the final step in this process."

Until today, the Simple Machines copyrights were held by Lewis Media on behalf of the Simple Machines community, as until today, the community has not been represented by a dedicated legal entity.  With this transition, the Simple Machines community has solidified the team's commitment to continuously providing free software, without the perceived risks of corporate influence.

Users concerned with the changing copyright notice at the bottom of every SMF install, need not worry about the transition. Previous versions of the copyright notice will still validate correctly, while future releases of SMF will include the modified statements. Also, users can rest assured that SMF will continue to be provided free of charge; the transition to the new business structure includes the preservation of the existing SMF team values, the first of which reads "We will provide our software to the public for free. A full and complete version of any software title developed by this project will be available to everyone without any cost, be it monetary or otherwise."

During the transition period, several business structures were evaluated and ultimately a Limited Liability Company was selected due to the flexibility of the organization and how easily it can accommodate a geographically distributed management team. Joseph Fung, co-founder of YaBB SE / SMF and President/CEO of Lewis Media, commented on the transition. "Simple Machines is relatively small organization, and with an LLC, we can avoid the overhead of more complex structures. Also, this keeps our options open, should we choose to pursue an alternative business structure in the future. This launch is a giant step for the community; it sets the stage for exhilarating new opportunities!"
Joseph Fung
Co-Founder & CEO, Kiite
Co-Founder TribeHR, Lewis Media, SMF

CountryLady

Congratulations to Simple Machines, LLC.

Many Thanks to Lewis Media, and the ENTIRE SMF Team for caretaking this brilliant forum software, and much appreciation to the SMF Support Team for their hard work and dedication.

Long Live SMF~! :)



chadness

Congratulations, you have a new baby!

Good luck with it, and great idea....

SaltedWeb

Kudos,
Just another example of why SMf continues to pull away from other forum software
makers.

It says we care all over it.
Hey look I feel all warm and fuzzy  :P

Thanks For All You Do !

Cozmo
Knowing your limitations makes you human, exceeding these limitations makes you worthy of being human.

Killer Possum


Isaac

Congratulations, this is great to hear, and a big step for SMF.  :)

winrules

Great news. Just one step in our plan for world domination :P


winrules
SMF Developer
               
My Mods
Please do not PM me for support.


Oldiesmann

Glad to see that the initial response is so positive :)
Michael Eshom
Christian Metal Fans

Bigguy

Great to hear guys, hope everything works out great for ya. This is a big step for SMF. :)

JayBachatero

This is great news.  SMF all the way!
Follow me on Twitter

"HELP!!! I've fallen and I can't get up"
This moment has been brought to you by LifeAlert

anunlike

Great news, indeed! Congrats!

Quote from: Joseph on November 27, 2006, 05:50:05 PMThis launch is a giant step for the community; it sets the stage for exhilarating new opportunities!"

Opportunities... such as? ??? ;)

Thantos


IchBin™

IchBin™        TinyPortal

anunlike


J. Williams

Quite amazing news, glad to hear it.
Joshua Jon Williams
Back in Action.

Aaron



nitins60

Can any1 share beers with me on this special occasion

J. Williams

Quote from: nitins60 on November 28, 2006, 07:41:40 AM
Can any1 share beers with me on this special occasion

I can't, I'm under 18 which is the legitimate and recommended age to drink alcohol.
Joshua Jon Williams
Back in Action.

vipmoney


Congratulations to all involved in this spectacular and promising project !
VipMoney

Advertisement: