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0 pointssokoloff2y ago0 comments

Software escrow processes could (partially) solve this, at an upfront cost for every company developing and selling such a device (meaning, at a price that will ultimately be paid by consumers).

0 comments

malermeister2y ago

Some government agency could be doing the escrow, at no charge to the company.

rjmunro2y ago

All you need is an option you can set on a private repo in Github so that if you close your account or don't pay your fees for 3 months it automatically becomes public rather than gets deleted.

sokoloffOP2y ago

There is still a process cost to participate in any escrow process, both on an initial and on-going basis.

(That's before the blindingly obvious observation that even something provided by the government at no cost at point of use has a cost which is ultimately borne by the people.)

malermeister2y ago

I don't disagree with either statement, but I think both of those are a price worth paying to avoid having hardware become e-waste because software support was stopped.

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mianos2y ago

Professional escrow is not cheap. The first year, when you have to demonstrate a complete build and 'bring up' process with them the price seems pretty good as it's a lot of work. Funnily they don't seem to offer a multi year deal.

The second year there is much less work but they double the cost. You go along with that as it takes a lot of work on your part to engage a new escrow firm from scratch.

The next year they double it again. It's still demanded by your large corporate customers and you try to pass on the costs but they don't want to pay it.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

0 comments

malermeister2y ago

Some government agency could be doing the escrow, at no charge to the company.

rjmunro2y ago

All you need is an option you can set on a private repo in Github so that if you close your account or don't pay your fees for 3 months it automatically becomes public rather than gets deleted.

sokoloffOP2y ago

There is still a process cost to participate in any escrow process, both on an initial and on-going basis.

(That's before the blindingly obvious observation that even something provided by the government at no cost at point of use has a cost which is ultimately borne by the people.)

malermeister2y ago

I don't disagree with either statement, but I think both of those are a price worth paying to avoid having hardware become e-waste because software support was stopped.

1 more reply

mianos2y ago

The second year there is much less work but they double the cost. You go along with that as it takes a lot of work on your part to engage a new escrow firm from scratch.

The next year they double it again. It's still demanded by your large corporate customers and you try to pass on the costs but they don't want to pay it.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse