One basic function, perhaps the main function of computers is to store data into consecutive byte memory locations, since we were in caves, whatever we compute inevitably involves a list of character in a row. So far so good.
Another timeless function of computing is to keep a list of character pointers, storing the index of a particular character in asequence of characters. Thus, the user can scan a liost of index pointers and grab part of the text starting at that index. So far, so good, Greeks computed this way, the bible was organized this way.
This ability to keep a list of pointers into some array of characters has been acceped and adapted by almost all software since we begin writing software. Now a company called I4i says that we cannot use this common technique within our XML web pages. This company did not invent XML, they did not invent the indirect lookup, but they were the first to go to the patent office and describe how this standard practice is implemented in XML.
Consumers are being ripped off by the bogus software patent system. It is a bogus system, stupid when created and a constant source of problems. It has few defenders. Consider the case where you and I agree on a restaurant reservation protocol for tablets. Because we have a new syntax, that means all of the common things you and I might do with our tablets and or reservation systems, all those thing become patentable and restricted property. So, you and I agree to take up the tablets and order a hamburger, using a protocol we invented. Then a police officer comes, takes our tablets, and said the idea of looking up a restaurant using my own protocol has a patent!
No comments:
Post a Comment