proprietary

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	This is the JargonFile (V4.00) entry for proprietary - Next: protocol, Prev: propeller key
:proprietary: /adj./ 1. In marketroid-speak, superior; implies a product imbued with exclusive magic by the unmatched brilliance of the companys own hardware or software designers. 2. In the language of hackers and users, inferior; implies a product not conforming to open-systems standards, and thus one that puts the customer at the mercy of a vendor able to gouge freely on service and upgrade charges after the initial sale has locked the customer in.
* (text is auto-included via JargonExtension by mutante using jargon with VERSION 4.0.0, 24 JUL 1996 - JargonFile by Eric S. Raymond is in the public domain)