Panasonic licenses Microsoft file system in latest patent agreement |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Micron Tech CEO killed in airplane accident in Idaho
- Microsoft teams with NASA chief to talk about science education
- Renters, buyers (and lookers) continue to flock to Zillow
- Best in-house lawyers sought by PSBJ
- Nearly 100 million in the U.S. now own smartphones
- Expedia partnering with China Southern Airlines
- Amazon also supports same-sex marriage, following others in tech
- Microsoft's Youngjohns: Let business dictate move to cloud
- Nearly 100 million in the U.S. now own smartphones
- Tweet signals Microsoft marketing layoffs
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Microsoft teams with NASA chief to talk about science education
- Renters, buyers (and lookers) continue to flock to Zillow
- 'Fast Pitch Forum' to debut May 27 with some familiar names
- Amazon sees gold in Babe Ruth or Wayne Gretzky trading cards
- Getty Images has GUESTLIST music for movie trailers, ads
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Shop.com, backed by Bill Gates and Amazon.com, finds a buyer
- Amazon.com gets toehold in India with website, package center
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Panasonic licenses Microsoft file system in latest patent agreement
Panasonic has licensed a Microsoft file system that makes it possible for consumer electronics devices to store larger files, joining Sanyo and Olympus as licensees of the "exFAT" technology, according to a Microsoft news release this morning. At the same time, Microsoft said Panasonic obtained a patent license from Microsoft that covers Panasonic's use of a long file-name technology, known as FAT32, in its products.
Microsoft's patents on File Allocation Technology (FAT) have played a role in some of the company's disputes over the open-source Linux operating system, with Microsoft claiming that some implementations of Linux violate those patents. However, Microsoft doesn't specifically mention Linux in the Panasonic news release, in contrast with its statement about a patent deal with Amazon earlier this week.
We asked a Microsoft representative if any of the licenses taken by Panasonic are intended to cover any Linux implementations in Panasonic's devices, but the initial response didn't directly answer the question.
"This agreement covers Microsoft’s exFAT and FAT technology to enhance multi-media experiences across an array of products," the company representative said in an email. "Microsoft’s exFAT technology can be licensed by companies running proprietary, open source and mixed source software."
Microsoft describes the exFAT technology "as a modern file system improving on its predecessor, the FAT system, and greatly expands the size of files that flash memory devices can handle. It says the exFAT file system "not only facilitates large files for use of audiovisual media, it enables seamless data portability and an easy interchange between desktop PCs and consumer electronic devices."
Microsoft and Panasonic have collaborated in the past on digital media exchanges between PCs and devices; Windows Media technologies in Panasonic devices; and DVD media formats.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
Seattle University Graduate Programs Accepting Applications:
Seattle University now offers two graduate programs in computing. The evening Master of Software Engineering program builds upon the professional experience of its students and offers courses in a variety of technical and management topics, with an emphasis on teamwork and a disciplined approach to problem solving. The Master of Science in Computer Science program accommodates both full-time and part-time students and enhances students’ previous academic work in computer science, in order to develop technical depth and lifelong learning skills necessary for successful career advancement.
