The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

connector conspiracy
 n.

    [probably came into prominence with the appearance of the KL-10 (one model
    of the PDP-10), none of whose connectors matched anything else] The
    tendency of manufacturers (or, by extension, programmers or purveyors of
    anything) to come up with new products that don't fit together with the old
    stuff, thereby making you buy either all new stuff or expensive interface
    devices.

    (A closely related phenomenon, with a slightly different intent, is the
    habit manufacturers have of inventing new screw heads so that only
    Designated Persons, possessing the magic screwdrivers, can remove covers
    and make repairs or install options. A good 1990s example is the use of
    Torx screws for cable-TV set-top boxes. Older Apple Macintoshes took this
    one step further, requiring not only a long Torx screwdriver but a
    specialized case-cracking tool to open the box.)

    In these latter days of open-systems computing this term has fallen
    somewhat into disuse, to be replaced by the observation that ?Standards are
    great! There are so many of them to choose from!? Compare backward
    combatability.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

connector conspiracy

    The tendency of manufacturers (or, by
   extension, other designers) to come up with products that
   don't fit with the old stuff, thereby making you buy either
   all new stuff or expensive interface devices.

   The term probably came into prominence with the appearance of
   the DEC KL-10, none of whose connectors matched anything
   else.  The KL-10 Massbus connector was actually *patented*
   by DEC, who reputedly refused to licence the design, thus
   effectively locking out competition for the lucrative Massbus
   peripherals market.  This policy was a source of frustration
   for the owners of dying, obsolescent disk and tape drives.

   A related phenomenon is the invention of new screw heads so
   that only Designated Persons, possessing the magic
   screwdrivers, can remove covers and make repairs or install
   options.  Older Apple Macintoshes took this one step
   further, requiring not only a hex wrench but a specialised
   case-cracking tool to open the box.

   With the advent of more open-systems computing this term has
   fallen somewhat into disuse.

   Compare backward combatability.

   [Jargon File]

   (2010-02-04)