Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/5/84; site umd5.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!umcp-cs!cvl!umd5!ostrove
From: ostrove@umd5.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: Dongles - News Update
Message-ID: <690@umd5.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 31-Jul-85 16:45:24 EDT
Article-I.D.: umd5.690
Posted: Wed Jul 31 16:45:24 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 2-Aug-85 07:04:49 EDT
Distribution: net
Organization: U of Md, CSC, College Park, Md
Lines: 64

There is some interesting news in this week's issue of "PC WEEK"
(July 30, 1985).  On page three is the Headline "Dallas Semiconductor
Readies ADAPSO Copy-Protect Product".  I am not going to enter the
entire article however it does mention some facts that I think is 
relative to the discussion on dongles.

"The product provides protection for software programs by requiring the 
user to insert a chip into a slot on the back of the PC.  While that 
method of protection is consistent with the proposed ADAPSO standard,
Dallas Semiconductor said the product is not fully compatible with the
standard at this point."

-------  Other Stuff ---------

"The Dallas Semiconductor key consists of two components: The DS1204
Electronic Key is a postage-stamp-sized semiconductor that the user 
inserts into a clip in order to use protected software on a computer.
The DS 1250 Keyring consists of the clip and a socket that is inserted
between a ROM or RAM chip and the motheroard inside the PC.  A cable runs 
between the two components."

-------  Other Stuff ---------

"In addition to the copy-protection key, Dallas Semiconductor also  
markets the DS 1201 Electronic Tag, which can be used to control
the number of users of a software package on a local area network."

And now for what I felt was **REALLY INTERESTING**.

"The DS1204 Electronic Key and the DS 1201 Electronic Tag will be 
available to developers for $6.30 each in quantities of 1,000.  The
Keyring will cost $18 each in quantities of 1,000."


A couple of points --

In order to be fair I have to add that this is not the serial keyring
idea that most feel will come out of the ADAPSO standard.  In the 
rest of the article it does say that if that standard is finalized 
then Dallas Semiconductor will change their product.  Can you 
imagine if you have more then one "Protected" piece of software.  I
don't want to.

I also find interesting the dollar amounts mentioned.  The keyring
will cost almost $20.00, a little more then the $5.00 or so I have
been reading about in this newsgroup. . .  And that's for quantities
of 1,000.  I think it is too much to hope that the software maker
won't add his "Little" mark-up.  In the end the user may have to pay
at least $20 more if not $50 more, just for another piece of electronic
equipment (that will go bad at some time).

Oh, yea, one last thing.  All owners of software DO
HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE BACK-UP COPIES OF THEIR PROGRAMS!!!!!!!
This right is included in copyright law no matter what the
license says!  Users have the right to protect their data!
  
-- 

Steve Ostrove
University of Maryland CSC Consulting Staff

usenet:  ...!seismo!rglvax!cvl!umd5!ostrove
ARPA:    ostrove@umd5.arpa
BITNET:  ostrove@umdc