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File Formats

BIP and FIN Licensing
Frequently Asked Questions

Which file formats are covered in this FAQ?

This Frequently Asked Questions page covers the BIP and FIN file formats.

What are these file formats used for?

BIP and FIN files are used to exchange data between modular software programs. Programmers who write modular software programs can use these file formats to exchange data between programs. These file formats are for public use by any programmer. No permission is required to use the BIP and FIN file formats, and these formats can be used for any purpose, including commercial purposes.

Can we develop other file formats based on these formats?

Yes, you can develop other file formats based on the BIP and FIN file formats. Just call the other formats something else (not BIP or FIN). You do not need to ask permission to do this or anything else with these formats.

Do we need to notify you to use the BIP and FIN file formats?

No. You can use BIP and FIN file formats for data exchange or to create new formats without notifying us.

Can we develop proprietary formats based on these formats?

Yes. The BIP and FIN file formats are public non-proprietary, but any format you create from these can be public or private.

Are we required to make information about these formats available?

No. The BIP and FIN file format specifications will be available at our web site. Programmers can come to our web site to find the specifications. You are not required to acknowledge or promote use of the BIP and FIN file formats even if you derive your own formats from them.

Can we distribute your documentation?

No. The BIP and FIN file format specifications are copyrighted pages on our web site and are not to be copied or redistributed. If you post or distribute documentation about these file formats, you need to write those pages yourself or use someone else's documentation wtih their permission, not copy our pages. The BIP and FIN file formats are very simple; you should have no problem writing your own documentation describing these formats.

Thursday, 20-Nov-2008 12:29:06 GMT