IBM, China, and Source Code
November 3, 2015
The Google wanted China to change its stripes. IBM, if I understand the implications of “IBM Gives the Chinese Government Access to Software Code, is taking a more conciliatory approach.
The write up explains:
IBM said it is giving the Chinese government access to some software code, seeking to demonstrate the security of its products as the company tries to expand its business in the country.
The good news is:
Beijing won’t receive client data or “back doors” into the technology, International Business Machines Corp. said Friday in a statement. Technology providers including Microsoft Corp. have reached similar agreements in China, IBM said. Microsoft established a program with China in 2003, giving the government access to some Windows source code.
There you go.
IBM is buttoned up. The write up states:
IBM also reduces the risk that its intellectual property will be copied by granting the government access in a controlled environment on the company’s machinery, Wang said. IBM is probably revealing code for basic features, he said, rather than disclosing proprietary algorithms.
What could possibly go wrong? Perhaps IBM asked Watson, and the smart software suggested this source code thing as a way to generate more business in China. No information is available to me if the code for i2 and Cybertap were part of the deal. That ANB file format is or was a bit of a close hold.
Stephen E Arnold, November 3, 2015
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