Independent Software Training Blues

At least one business intelligence software instructor and a user group are throwing accusations at BI heavyweight Business Objects, claiming the company takes a hard line with independent organizations that teach users about its software.Specifically, the trainers complain that Business Objects uses clauses in its license agreement to shape the content of manuals, and that it's demanding license payments from people teaching public classes. A Crystal Reports user group in Idaho even says Business Objects tried to put the kibosh on an unauthorized speaker who gave a presentation about the software.

For its part, Business Objects says it wants to ensure that users get quality instruction. It outright denies other accusations leveled by teachers.

My question is this: Has anyone out there who's taken a course, sponsored a class, or worked with a BI user group ever run into these problems with other vendors? Or, for that matter, have independent training experiences you may have had with Business Objects or others been completely satisfactory? Either way, drop me a line. I'd love to hear about it. And as always, your responses are totally confidential.