Conference heron::euro_swas_ai

321.0. ""X" windows" by ULYSSE::ROACH (TANSTAAFL !) Fri Apr 12 1991 09:53

 

                  I N T E R O F F I C E   M E M O R A N D U M

                                        Date:     11-Apr-1991 06:36pm CET
                                        From:     TSS
                                                  TSS@AIADM@SELECT@HERON@ULYSSE@MRGATE@VALMTS@VBO
                                        Dept:      
                                        Tel No:    

TO:  PATRICK ROACH@VBE


Subject:  

<headers deleted>

Subj:	Correct use of the term "X Window System"


I think this is important for us to remember and practice.

Mike

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Return-Path: indyx::ram
Date: Wed, 10 Apr 91 11:32:14 -0400
From: indyx::ram (Ram Rao)

Subject: Distressing abuse of "X Windows" at ULTRIX Symposium


While at the ULTRIX Symposium last week, I was distressed at the
abuse of the term "X Windows" particularly in presentations
made by the various marketing organizations.  The CORRECT use is
"The X Window System".  An alternate acceptable short form is
simply "X".

Why am I making such a big deal of what appears to be a simple
trademark nit?  More important than legalities, it has to do with
adverse customer perceptions as explained below.

Within the X Window System community (I speak from personal experience
as a developer of X), use of inappropriate variations of the
"X Window System" name are interpreted as evidence of:
	- unfamiliarity with X
	- being a newcomer to the world of X
	- being a "me-too" X supplier

It is particularly inappropriate for Digital to be viewed in this light
since Digital, more than any other company or organization was the innovator
of X.

While we have been reasonably successful, in purging the "X Windows"
aberration from our Corporate literature, having our marketing people
carelessly using this aberration encourages others in the company to
continue this malpractice, ultimately damaging our image in the X
community.

Feel free to forward this to the appropriate marketing organizations
or partners if necessary.

Regards,

Ram Rao
ULTRIX Partner
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

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