You do not own your car anymore says the manufacturers

[FatBoy]

Probably like many others on here, I work in the IT industry and I can't think of a single instance where you actually "own" any software that you "buy". All you are doing is paying for a licence to use that software for a specified period of time.
I don't see this being any different as it relates specifically to the software, not the hardware.

The above comment that "All software should be Open Source" is blatantly ridiculous.

Paul

[TN Shelby Cobra]

I will never buy a new car again! Problem solved! They can keep their $hit!
I have had enough of big government!!!!

[joyridin']

Originally Posted by FatBoy

Probably like many others on here, I work in the IT industry and I can't think of a single instance where you actually "own" any software that you "buy". All you are doing is paying for a licence to use that software for a specified period of time.
I don't see this being any different as it relates specifically to the software, not the hardware.

The above comment that "All software should be Open Source" is blatantly ridiculous.

Paul

I'm just curious. Is software from auto manufacturers routinely pirated? I can throw a copy of Windows in multiple computers, but I cannot see a lot of logic in taking Fords software for a Focus and pirating it. Many of the software products have licenses due to competition, but I doubt Ford has a lot of competition for the software in their F150.

I could be wrong, but I have never seen it for sale anywhere.

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by joyridin'

I'm just curious. Is software from auto manufacturers routinely pirated? I can throw a copy of Windows in multiple computers, but I cannot see a lot of logic in taking Fords software for a Focus and pirating it. Many of the software products have licenses due to competition, but I doubt Ford has a lot of competition for the software in their F150.

I could be wrong, but I have never seen it for sale anywhere.

This probably has far less to do with the average owner "pirating" the software than other manufacturers and competitors. The software is a very important part of todays complex and sophisticated engine management systems. There is also the infotainment, navigation and DIS systems, all of which have had many hours of development and expertise invested in them. If another manufacturer could short-cut that process by starting with another companies products, they probably would if there weren't measures in place to prevent it.

I don't see that this has anything to do with "big government", but everything to do with manufacturers protecting their investment and IP, which isn't unreasonable.

Paul

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

If another manufacturer could short-cut that process by starting with another companies products, they probably would if there weren't measures in place to prevent it.

Can you say "China"????

[FatBoy]

Yes, but this isn't going to stop them.

I work a few miles from the Land Rover plant in Solihul, UK and their Range Rover Evoque has been massively successful for them, but in China it is being blatantly copied.

The bottom one is the real Evoque and the top one is the Chinese rip-off:



This is damaging local jobs for us here.

Paul