To: Nathaniel Borenstein <nsb(_at_)thumper(_dot_)bellcore(_dot_)com>
Subject: Re: 1154bis quick analysis
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 93 17:49:47 PST
We want to be sure to pick an algorithm that is
legally unencumbered in BOTH directions. -- NB
For the purpose of building products it seems that whether something
is `legally encumbered' is not an issue, the licensing terms are
the issue.
An unencumbered compression scheme can be implemented widely and made
available for free. Anyone with net access and sufficient disk space can
get the sources and compile it. Presumably it could be packaged along with
any freely-distributable MIME-capable mailer, and could thus be in users'
hands nearly as quickly as MIME itself.
If we choose a compression scheme that requires licensing, then its
implementation will be limited to commercial MIME products. In turn this
results in delays -- users will have to wait for vendors to develop and
market appropriate products, which they may not be willing to purchase. The
effect is slower acceptance and less interoperability.
(Of course this argument assumes that it doesn't take forever to decide that
a particular scheme is safe to use.)
Keith