Thread: Ro.a.d 2012.30:unlockable map ?

@Redrock3
TT encryption is universal as you know. In the case of the recent RO.A.D and also the Ukrainian Aeroscan maps, as pointed out by ddabcd277 & Giomen, the encryption is done by 'quasi-independent' regional distributors which requires a custom firmware to be installed to the unit and it's also securely locked to the UID. From a marketing point of view I reckon they've shot themselves in the foot. The problems caused by any loss of market to Garmin hardware in Romania & Ukraine is probably short term and Garmin themselves will gain in the longer term.

Ideologically, Garmin probably would like to emulate TT with worldwide encryption but i'm guessing they won't simply because they're reveling in their hardware market share clawback from TT in Western markets. It seems the real profit is in hardware or they wouldn't be offering lifetime maps on almost all their automotive range now. Where's that philosophy going to leave the encrypting regional distributors eventually? Marginalized is probably a polite way of putting it.

Originally Posted by Neil

The problems caused by any loss of market to Garmin hardware in Romania & Ukraine is probably short term and Garmin themselves will gain in the longer term.

But Garmin do not hurry to put money in post Soviet Market. And he have full right to do it. Nokia had tried to invest money in Russia and Ukrainian distributor network at the time. But Nokia walked smack to grand fraud of century. My friend said that it would kill this company but Nokia was dying painfully long and missed a knockout beat from other side. Although you never know - my friend was winner in any case after that he sold the shares back at the good time...

Without a doubt, Garmin know this lesson and stay at the position that better a little profit than the big problem.