Update 6: Netezza Geospatial Code Subject of Lawsuit
There’s been a settlement: “Under the settlement agreement, which became effective today, Netezza will have ownership of all products and related intellectual property developed by IISI for the Netezza platforms, including the geospatial product and extended SQL toolkit. IISI has retained the right to continue to develop, manufacture and distribute those products for use on other platforms.” There’s probably more, but no other details are being shared.
—- update 10/19/10—-
“A hearing on IISi’s motion is slated for Dec. 7. However, in light of IBM’s pending acquisition of Netezza, a court hearing could well be scheduled sooner, a source close to the case said.”
—- update 9/20/10—-
Update: IBM to Acquire Netezza (press release)
—- updated 9/20/10 6:00 am EDT—-
Two weeks ago an injunction was filed to stop Netezza selling the software in question.
The motion for a preliminary injunction filed last week [article dated Sept 16] with the court in Boston asks the judge to order that Netezza cease marketing, distributing or using Geospatial or it’s related Toolkit or any hacked or re-engineered version of the products, and to return all copies of hacked IISI software now operating on Netezza’s TwinFin — which would include the software now running on TwinFins purchased by Netezza’s customers, such as the CIA.
—- update 8/30/10——
The judge ruled that the breach of contract suit by Netezza filed against IIS be dismissed. Further, the judge ruled, it was Netezza that inappropriately dropped its contract with IIS. There are still some items in the cast pending; a further ruling is expected.
—- update 8/10/10——
Update: The story is back in the news in part because of its connection to predator drones. Read more at TheStreet.com and Narcosphere. The case is still pending.
——original post 12/8/09——
We’ve profiled Netezza and its ability to manage spatial data within its very fast appliances. A Boston-based company Intelligent Integration Systems (IIS) wrote the original spatial software for a Motorola-based appliance. Now Netezza is moving to Intel’s TwinFin chips. At issue: IIS says it was not aware of the planned move and is not obligated to re-write the software for the port to the new processors. Netezza disagrees. Netezza is not only filing a suit against IIS, but ending its relationship with the company according to the lawsuit.
