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Well, I just bought car X, but then car Y came out and I like it better, but they won't allow me to switch without buying a whole new car!

I guess car makers practice vendor lock-in too by your definition.

In fact, almost anyone who sells something practices some form of lock-in.



No. For the car example, lock-in means you aren't able to use off-brand accessories, or service your car in an unlicensed shop. However, cars are mostly self-contained, so this mostly only comes up with aftermarket stereo systems and membership programs.

And yes, mild lock-in is very common. That doesn't make it a good practice from the consumer's point of view.


Considering how hard it is to get people to agree on interoperability standards even if they want to agree, I think lock-in is simply inevitable.




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