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why

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The main reason to use open protocols is freedom. They don't tie you to a specific program that only is available for one (or two platforms) neither force you to have an account (and accept a contract) with a particular provider.

With a closed platform it can happen that you have to run a bloated client on your old computer. Maybe you don't like the look and feel of the program, maybe it has annoying ads that eats lots of screen space, maybe you run a minoritary platform and the provider haven't released a client for that.

In these situations, you usually don't have other choices rather than using the official application. Maybe you are lucky and there are third party applications developed using reverse engineering that meet your needs. But these application most times have less features than the original client and may don't work properly because the developers haven't access to the information about the inner working of the protocol. Even more, the provider could change the protocol breaking non official applications.

With an open protocol all is different. Developers can create applications without having to get the authorization of a company, and also having full access to the protocol documentation. They have easy access to information regarding the inner working of the system which enables them to develop better applications. Users aren't tied to any program, if one doesn't fit their needs, they just change to another one. All developers have the same opportunities to improve their applications.

why.1211120305.txt.gz · Last modified: 2018/03/09 08:23 (external edit)