Finale Preservation Project

[PeterVadala]

Hello, Fellow Finale Composers, Transcribers, Arrangers, Producers, Illustrators, and Teachers!

I'm diligently searching for a developer to craft a virtual machine capable of running Finale in perpetuity. As you can imagine, it is not an inexpensive endeavor, but the way I figure, and many others do, the investment will pay out dividends forever in the continued use of this singular software whose lines of code, frankly, belong in a library where all can access it, or a museum, at the very least.

I'm looking for other Finale creators to split the cost of this endeavor, with the purpose of maintaining the invaluable resource of this singular software, as is our right to continue using it, because God knows we all paid for it over the years.

The purpose of the virtual machine project is to effectively create an instance of the software that runs forever atop any future operating systems.

As I continue to learn more about virtual machines, the more complex the task appears. For instance, it would appear that in order for it to work properly with minimal to no performance lag, the type of virtual machine necessary to preserve and protect the functionality of the software to survive Windows and Mac updates needs to be able to fully emulate the operating environment in the same way that, for example, a Nintendo emulator emulates the full functionality of a Nintendo game set.

This is a tricky endeavor because Finale interfaces with fonts, MIDI input-outputs (usually via USB), and the scrolling playback of music involves lots of complex elements. For instance, maybe you're doing a Karaoke-style recording session and you need to project the scrolling music on the screen in a pinch for your talent. In such a case, it helps to have a lightening-fast system. Not to mention the graphic export functions and printing.

In any event, if anybody wants to split the cost of this endeavor, possibly even as a legally non-profit project, please reach out. I'm a big believer in capitalism and the free markets; that's what birthed Finale here in the good ole' US of A. However, not to belabor the point, I really think corporate greed sabotaged the greatest music notation software in existence, and my purpose here is to find a way to preserve and protect the legal instances of the software for generations to come - and I will do so, however it will be lots easier partnering with other individuals working toward the collective goal.

Thanks for your interest in the Finale Preservation Project.

Peter Vadala
Composer, Producer