http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4830303
I made a formal complaint to authorities about this.
I made a formal complaint to authorities about this.
It's certainly not illegal for a company to set criteria for which suppliers it will do business with: for example, "we'll only work with ISO9001 certified companies". Is this any different?
I'd be interested to hear more about why this practice is illegal in Brazil, especially as you say it could lead to a prison sentence (which seems odd for what should be a civil case). Is there case law or statute available for someone interested in such things to browse?
http://www.justice.gov/atr/public/hearings/single_firm/comme...
> Most economists now would agree on three fundamentals. First, tying is a pervasive practice that, in many instances, gives rise to substantial efficiencies, particularly when it takes the form of product integration. Second, the circumstances in which tying would lead to anticompetitive effects are very restricted. And third, not only are those conditions hard to verify, but also any attempt to balance efficiency gains against possible anticompetitive effects will prove a complex exercise.
Like a selling a laptop with a mouse included.
Apple wants a DUNS number because they are taking on some fraud risk and want a company identifier for credit history and to reduce the risk they are dealing with scammers. Seems pretty reasonable.
Edit: someone would go to jail after not complying with some court order. Example: google VP in brazil went to jail earlier this year for not taking down a youtube video. Those orders may come way before an actual trial
It's something of an entrenched international standard. Most likely nobody wants to have to deal with multiple database companies, or a competing database with big gaps in its coverage compared to DNB.
At least it's free, even if they attempt to charge a premium for faster service.
Apple does not sell DUNS numbers, as they are not Dun & Bradstreet.
It also mentioned the anticompetitive nature of tying a weak/new product to a stronger one. DUNS numbers are not new or esoteric (although I do think of them as being old-fashioned and enterprisey).
So, I struggle with the notion that this could be illegal, but I'd be fascinated to learn more about it.
Sure is developer hostile and counter-productive, though.
The answer is: yes. The only way this is not tying is by bundling the service: apple would provide the number for you without charging.
But then, D&B competitors could say this is a trust case.
To really solve this apple must offer a list of companies that offer the solution for whatever numbering problem they seem to have. Or just drop the requirement.
The number itself isn't the issue, it's what it represents: that your business is recorded in a large and reputable database of international businesses that is in widespread use by companies and governments.
In fact, S&P and Moody's are the only ratings/registry that can get you anywhere in the banking system.