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From: slerner@sesame.UUCP (Simcha-Yitzchak Lerner)
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: Re: Dongles - News Update
Message-ID: <237@sesame.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 1-Aug-85 20:23:58 EDT
Article-I.D.: sesame.237
Posted: Thu Aug  1 20:23:58 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 3-Aug-85 20:41:50 EDT
References: <690@umd5.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Lotus Development Corp
Lines: 54

> 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."
> 
>
The Dallas Semi device has many differences from the proposed ADAPSO
standard.  1) Is much smaller - too easy to loose.  2) Conector
does not hold it in firmly - the ADAPSO uses a connector similar
to walkman headphone  3) Key concept - their system seems to be a
special type of RAM - no brains on board.  I fear it would be too
easy to analize and patch.
> 
> "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."
>
 
This seem very intrusive, and not compatible with sealed unit machines.

> 
> "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."
> 
> 
> 

Note that these prices are for a system quite different than the 
ADAPSO.  The price range for key ($5-7) and keyring ($20-40) are
about right though.  **Remember, you only need one keyring per
machine - not per program.**  In addition, rumor has it that 
some people will *give away* a minimal keyring with their
s/w products when they first change over to hardware protection.
-- 
Opinions expressed are public domain, and do not belong to Lotus
Development Corp.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Simcha-Yitzchak Lerner

              {genrad|ihnp4|ima}!wjh12!talcott!sesame!slerner
                      {cbosgd|harvard}!talcott!sesame!slerner
                                slerner%sesame@harvard.ARPA