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5 Replies Last post: Oct 20, 2008 6:09 AM by vader

Password Protection

Oct 16, 2008 8:16 AM

Click to view programmertech's profile programmertech 80 posts since
Jul 25, 2008

Hi Everyone,


I was wondering what is the standard practice but everyone when it comes to password protecting your programs/systems? I only ask as my operations manager who also occasionally programs systems, does not think it is worth while to password protect our systems.

I have tried to argue that it is to our benefit as a company well as personal benefit to do it for various reasons, so others can mess with it, other companies cant use you work for their gain, and also to protect your personal intellectual property.


So I would love to hear for everyone as to what their opinions are.


Thanks.


Kris

Click to view vader's profile vader 119 posts since
Mar 4, 2008
1. Re: Password Protection Oct 17, 2008 5:53 AM

To Kris,

The actual LAW on Intillectual Property varies from country to country, so check out your local regulations.

If you charge a customer programming time to create his system,then he should have access to it .

If you don't want idiots to change things in sensitive areas,then password it.

This is why there are levels of password protection available.

If you think you have a process that no-one else uses,then put it in a custom block and password protect it.

( read up on Custom Block Menu in the help files )

Only my opinion,for what it is worth.

Garth

Click to view programmertech's profile programmertech 80 posts since
Jul 25, 2008
2. Re: Password Protection Oct 17, 2008 6:15 AM
in response to: vader

Garth,


My company has been looking into the legalitys on intalectual property regarding our Crestron programs I have asked for Biamp to be included with that.


The rest I already know about I just was wondering oppinoins about protecting "your" property. I have mad Custom blocks for various things to save time as well as space for myself and password them just so my techs don't try to "change" my work that way. But I do appreciate the input :)


Kris

Click to view vader's profile vader 119 posts since
Mar 4, 2008
3. Re: Password Protection Oct 19, 2008 6:34 AM
in response to: programmertech

To Kris,

I attempt to keep answers simple for all users of Biamp products and have been caught out myself by not passwording systems.

I was called to an installation we had done several years ago and had recenty quoted on minor changes to the system.

We were undercut by another Biamp certified installer who had done all the rewiring but stuffed up the changes to the programing.

They had passworded the system and so it became a real battle to get their password back.

One company had done the rewiring and employed another to do the programming.

I know that other systems have an overide password and hope that Biamp will introduce a similar scheme for future disputes.

After all,it is in Biamp's interest that their product be used to it's best and not to the company that undercuts others in price and expertice.

Garth

Click to view programmertech's profile programmertech 80 posts since
Jul 25, 2008
4. Re: Password Protection Oct 19, 2008 6:55 PM
in response to: vader

Garth,


I seem to remember back in my training a year ago that it is possible to get an over ride password from biamp BUT I beleive that you have to do a lot of prove you either own the system or that you have the original program. But I do agree that if you are able to have an overall password to override something that could be helpfull provided your company had the appropriate Baimp clearance and such. I have not come across the problem of someone else password one of my programs after the fact but I am sure it will happen at some point.


I hope you were able to get things sorted out with that one.


Thanks,


Kris

Click to view vader's profile vader 119 posts since
Mar 4, 2008
5. Re: Password Protection Oct 20, 2008 6:09 AM
in response to: programmertech

To Kris,

I will have to look into the password overide and will remember this for the future.

An importent point we made to the venue owners at the time was that all warranty for the entire system was now void due to changes made by the other company.

That made them think again about continuing with the other company.

Thanks Garth.

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