Intellectual property (or 'IP')

All the material on the public pages of the PIElink, specially written for the purpose, can be accessed for free; and should remain so, for so long as the PIElink continues to exist.  Likewise , in the Library area, the Pizazz on paper is available to all registered members free, under the terms of a Creative Commons licence (HERE).

But note that this free access applies only to the paper version; its use in the PIE Abacus software is not covered by this licence; and is not free to use.  This constraint - written into our agreement with the software company, Opeus TDK- ensures that the Intellectual Property (IP) is protected against use by any other digital platforms.

It's also this that has allowed us to include an element of income for maintaining the PIElink, in the contract with Opeus and the sales of the software; and it is this that creates an 'income stream', and the potential for a sustainable income for the PIElink, in the future.

Re-investing

By agreement, the proportion of all PIE Abacus sales income that goes to re-investment is 20%. But this could rise to 40% in the near future, as and when the project company is able to take on the administration of the PIE Abacus accounts.

In the short term, we anticipate that the development of the PIE Abacus software (HERE) could then start to bring in sufficient income in itself to allow a small staff team to continue to manage at least the PIElink's current range of activities. This would allow us to keep the PIElink and all its material 'free at the point of use' (sic) to all staff, volunteers etc working in the related field; and even to expand our activities.

After years running 'on a shoestring' there is the real possibility of a sustainable economic model for the PIElink, beyond Robin's retirement. If so, we can think of the last 6 years as Phase One - the 'one man band years'.

Future growth

There is now the prospect in the medium term of making a significant profit, that could then be ploughed back into the sector; and this income generation could even be greatly expanded by developing a vocational training element, focussed on higher education.

And here’s the plan for Phases Two and Three : HERE