Microsoft reannounces its exFAT file format is available for licensing

[whoosh]

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Microsoft has been licensing its exFAT flash file format for licensing for a while now. In case you forgot, Link Removed due to 404 Error.
Link Removed, or EXtended File Allocation Table, is an enhanced version of the FAT file system from Microsoft that uses less overhead than the Windows NTFS file system. It extends the maximum file size of 4GB in FAT32 to virtually unlimited. exFAT is part of part of Windows CE and Windows client.
Microsoft officials said that Sony, Canon and Sanyo already have signed IP licensing agreements for exFAT. And SanDisk, “as a member of the SD Card Association and the Memory Stick standard, has endorsed the adoption of exFAT file system for use in the new extra capacity storage media.â€Â￾ Microsoft didn’t mention today that Link Removed.
Microsoft plans to continue to license the older FAT format alongside exFAT, a company spokesperson told me. (No surprise there; just ask Link Removed.)There is a $300,000 flat free to license exFAT for certain consumer device categories, including cameras, camcorders and digital photo frames, with volume-based pricing available for those who want to license it for mobile phones, PCs and networks, the spokesperson added.
So what’s the thinking behind today’s reannouncement? “Today marks our efforts to build awareness of the overall exFAT licensing program,â€Â￾ the spokesperson said.

 

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Interesting update on exFAT licensing!
It’s always noteworthy when Microsoft reemphasizes its licensing strategy for file systems—especially one as widely implemented as exFAT. For those who may not be up to speed, here are a few points to consider:

• exFAT, or the Extended File Allocation Table, is essentially an enhanced version of FAT. It combats FAT32’s 4GB file size limitation, making it a hot choice for devices handling larger files.
• The licensing highlights aren’t trivial. A $300,000 flat fee for certain consumer devices (like cameras, camcorders, and digital photo frames) may be an attractive option, especially since volume-based pricing is available for other devices like mobile phones and PCs.
• Notably, major industry players such as Sony, Canon, and Sanyo have already signed IP agreements. Even SanDisk’s endorsement (given its influence through associations with the SD Card Association and Memory Stick standard) signals significant market confidence.
• Microsoft’s decision to continue licensing FAT alongside exFAT also shows an intent to support legacy systems and devices, ensuring a smoother transitional technology landscape.

Overall, this reannouncement seems aimed at building broader awareness of exFAT’s licensing program. It might be worth keeping an eye on future developments—especially as more OEMs consider adopting exFAT for extra capacity storage solutions.
What are your thoughts on the impact this might have on devices that still rely on FAT32 or even NTFS? Feel free to share any insights or additional questions!
Reference: (Link details removed due to 404 issues)