IT is interesting enough to know that Microsoft deliberately makes its documentation deficient and unavailable (the word "undocumentation" is actually used internally), but to know who is responsible for it is even more interesting. Comes vs Microsoft Exhibit PX03104 (2000) [PDF] provides an answer which fits the pattern seen in other E-mails.
We’ve recently change the policy for distributing our file formats, at the request of BillG. We used to be fairly lax about giving it out to pretty much everyone who asked for it (Excel even published a book through MS Press).
Our new policy (for Office2000) is that there are restrictions on use (can’t build converters, can’t be a competitor to any of the apps, etc). We required a signed license agreement in hand before we’ll send them the docs. They have to tell us who they are and what their company does, as well as their intended use.
Privileged Material
Redacted
Once we get a copy of the signed agreement back, I sign for Microsoft, and we send them back a hard copy of the agreement via snail mail, and send them the docs via email
From: Marc Olson Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 7:21 AM To: Norman Gilinsky Cc: Joel Frauenheim Subject: RE: Visio file format
Thanks, he sent a message to the alias and I've been in touch with him.
----Original Message---- From: Norman Gilinsky Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 7:01 AM To: Marc Olson Cc: Joel Frauenheim Subject: RE: Visio file format
Joel Frauenheim will be handling distribution of file format
Norm
----Original Message---- From: Marc Olson Sent: Monday, May 22, 2000 3:49 PM To: Norman Gilinsky Subject: FW: Visio file format
Hi Norm,
I don't know how urgent this project is--is someone covering the file format distribution in Tim's absence?
Marc
----Original Message---- From: Marc Olson Sent: Monday, May 22, 2000 7:48 AM To: Tim Davenport Cc: Erich Andersen (LCA) Subject: RE: Visio file format
Hi Tim,
We’ve recently change the policy for distributing our file formats, at the request of BillG. We used to be fairly lax about giving it out to pretty much everyone who asked for it (Excel even published a book through MS Press).
Our new policy (for Office2000) is that there are restrictions on use (can’t build converters, can’t be a competitor to any of the apps, etc). We required a signed license agreement in hand before we’ll send them the docs. They have to tell us who they are and what their company does, as well as their intended use.
Privileged Material
Redacted
Once we get a copy of the signed agreement back, I sign for Microsoft, and we send them back a hard copy of the agreement via snail mail, and send them the docs via email
Marc
<< File Word 2000 License.doc >>
----Original Message---- From: Tim Davenport Sent: Monday, May 15, 2000 5:14 PM To: Office File Format Request Subject: Visio file format
Hello.
MS-PCA 2545864 HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL
As you may know, Visio is now a Microsoft product. We recently completed the documentation of the Video file format and we want to distribute it in the same manner as the Office docs are distributed. I know that there is a page on MSDN that tells requestors to e-mail this alias and ask for the Office documentation. Do you require that they supply you with the details of what they plan to do with it? Do you make them sign any kind of agreement? Is the documentation stamped with "Microsoft Confidential"?
Thanks for any information you can provide me.
Tim Davenport (Timda) Program Manager VIsio
MS-PCA 2545865 HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL
Comments
Jose_X
2009-08-17 20:12:03
Another Comes quote from the late 1990s I think was about how wine would be much more evolved if wine devs had access to source code and info not discernable from the docs (eg, "bugs"/misimplementations/extensions/etc in MS products).
Samba had clearly been dealing with headaches and lack of docs by this time.
These papers being signed might involve patent acknowledgments [?]
Roy Schestowitz
2009-08-17 20:18:53