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Apple's Strict Security Measures for Pre-Release Hardware
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"...and then we were told not to tell anyone about the measures I just described as we signed the NDA."
NDA's expire, obviously. Sounds like it happened from the first part cutout from the Macrumors story - "Now that it's been over year, I can talk about it."
And even if it had not - which it seems it has - who doesn't bend an NDA now and then?
I think the poster was referring to the backend side of enterprise, servers, IT etc... And what he/she said is very true.
Apple doesn't even use it's own server products. They use Solaris, IBM, etc..
What you're referring to is employees of google using macs and linux boxes.
NDA's expire, obviously. Sounds like it happened from the first part cutout from the Macrumors story - "Now that it's been over year, I can talk about it."
And even if it had not - which it seems it has - who doesn't bend an NDA now and then?
Folks who take their commitments and promises seriously.
(I know that sounds huffy and self righteous - but you get my point
)
My initial reaction was that the security was excessive. But your post is persuasive.
It may be seem nuts, but when a company invests a bazillion dollars in something, protecting it makes corporate sense.
Right... If I locked up my iPad like this, then that would be excessive.
Well..
It is not a national security item but it is a device that created a new market resulting in billions of dollars of revenue. Apple shareholder ARE happy they are hyper paranoid, believe me.
It is not a national security item but it is a device that created a new market resulting in billions of dollars of revenue. Apple shareholder ARE happy they are hyper paranoid, believe me.
What few realize is this is nothing new.
Most corporations building new products in a competitive market do the same thing.
Most corporations building new products in a competitive market do the same thing.
Right... If I locked up my iPad like this, then that would be excessive.
True.
But then again, you'd never lose the sucker.
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You mean besides taking notes at meetings, writing letters, and writing stories?
cliveren13 said:
You mean besides taking notes at meetings, writing letters, and writing stories?
I have managed projects on about a dozen pre-release gaming systems. I can assure you that Apple's requirements are in line with those of other companies. Sure they sound draconian, but actually they are not too hard to follow. We've even had a situation where we had to create a walled off area at one of our developers and add a keycard lock. It's just what you do to be first to market on a new platform - a competitive advantage in terms of early adoption and gaining expertise ahead of our competitors in the same space.
Let me give you one other angle on this: I like the security measures. They force us to limit access to those team members who really need the information and visibility. And they heighten the importance of keeping our parters' intellectual property secret. In no way do I want to get a call from our legal department worried we were the cause of a leak.
We've even had to put in security measures for pre-release music. On Guitar Hero, we released a Metallica album as downloadable content day-and-date with the physical CD. So, we needed the tracks about 2 months ahead of time to program and test them with the game. Our quality assurance department was required to install metal detectors and confiscate any cell phones from the testers so that no one could copy the music and leak it.
Let me give you one other angle on this: I like the security measures. They force us to limit access to those team members who really need the information and visibility. And they heighten the importance of keeping our parters' intellectual property secret. In no way do I want to get a call from our legal department worried we were the cause of a leak.
We've even had to put in security measures for pre-release music. On Guitar Hero, we released a Metallica album as downloadable content day-and-date with the physical CD. So, we needed the tracks about 2 months ahead of time to program and test them with the game. Our quality assurance department was required to install metal detectors and confiscate any cell phones from the testers so that no one could copy the music and leak it.
so you couldn't put a few sheets of paper around the ipad and take a picture... that defeats the "wood grain" gambit
Imagine Samsung taking those pictures and launching the Samsung Galaxy Tab one day before iPad's launch. And you say ridiculous?
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It's not a toy, it's a billion dollar industry that Apple seems to be winning. You're distracted by what an ipad does. The business model is the important bit.
It's not a toy, it's a billion dollar industry that Apple seems to be winning. You're distracted by what an ipad does. The business model is the important bit.
Ok, so they are bolted down so that no one can see the form factor... But couldn't the guy who bolts them down leak images of the form factor? Or does Steve himself bolt the iPads down?
Just for adding more flame to the topic: If someone thinks a device should be upgraded every year, then it's a toy. "Serious" devices have a lot of personal data and applications and migrating them is a pita. So, if you consistently buy a next-generation device every year, then for sure it's a toy.
I can't imagine upgrading my white Macbook without a good reason (hardware failure or very obsolete specs). However, I could upgrade my Macmini every year as I use it mainly as an HTPC.
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That's so cool and such an interesting read. I love how diligent they are in secrecy - makes it the most exciting company to watch.
If only they can find that missing iPhone!
If only they can find that missing iPhone!
You forgot arrogant, pompous and extremely annoying.
I'll add that to my "Don't Do That Again, Jerk" list.
There was probably a better way to say it that was less obnoxious.