MS, Aspen Avionics ink patent-licensing deal

Microsoft and Aspen Avionics have signed a patent-licensing agreement that gives Aspen broad access to the latest Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT), eWeek reports.

exFAT is a modern file system from Microsoft that facilitates large files for audiovisual media and enables seamless data portability and an easy interchange between desktop PCs and other electronic devices. The agreement is the latest forged by Microsoft for exFAT and the first in the avionics and commercial sector.

The Sacramento Bee quotes David Kaefer, GM of Intellectual Property Licensing at Microsoft, as saying: "Innovative avionics requires a modern file system, such as exFAT, that can handle significantly larger file sizes to display richer data than legacy file systems could handle. This agreement with Aspen Avionics highlights how exFAT can help directly address the specific needs of customers in the aviation industry, and we're delighted to make exFAT available to the company through our intellectual property licensing programme."

According to Avionics Intelligence, Microsoft offers flexible IP licensing programmes that give companies access to many of the foundational technologies in its own products, allowing those companies to build devices, applications and services that work seamlessly with one another.

Microsoft has entered into similar exFAT patent licensing agreements with several leading consumer electronics manufacturers through its IP licensing programme, including Panasonic, Sanyo Electric Company, Sony and Canon.