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On binary drivers and stable interfaces
On binary drivers and stable interfaces
Posted Nov 12, 2005 19:38 UTC (Sat) by Ross (subscriber, #4065)In reply to: On binary drivers and stable interfaces by giraffedata
Parent article: On binary drivers and stable interfaces
Revealing the programming interface for their device is not the same as publicly documenting how their device works. The more compliated the device the less similar that information is.
The only plausible excuse I've heard is that it allows other companies to make work-alikes without having to write their own drivers or have them certified by Microsoft.
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On binary drivers and stable interfaces
Posted Nov 12, 2005 20:26 UTC (Sat) by giraffedata (subscriber, #1954) [Link]
Good point. I was vague when I said the trade secret in question is "how the device works." The trade secret is the programming interface, and your explanation is the best I've heard for why the company perceives that secret as valuable.