Timeless encoding, contemporary terms
Renaming of the drive encoding and interface combination
For many years, we at D+H have used the terms master and slave when encoding drives. We think it is time to change these terms, even though they have long been established in information technology. In future, we will speak of main and sub in our documents and of client and server in relation to Modbus RTU as an open interface.
What will be done?
We will be replacing the word "Master" with the word "Main" and the word "Slave" with the word "Sub" in our documents in the near future. This change is being done gradually because this affects a large number of documents. Furthermore, with regard to the Modbus RTU as an open interface, we replace the word "master" with "client" and "slave" with "server". In this way we adapt to the official Modbus wording.
What did the terminology "master" and "slave" refer to?
The terminology "master/slave" is used in information technology to describe a certain type of relationship or communication between two components or devices. The "master" is the main component or higher-level device that has control or access to one or more "slave" components. The "slave" components, on the other hand, are subordinate and are at the service of the master. The master initiates and controls the communication and actions, while the slaves respond to requests or commands from the master.
This terminology is used, for example, in communication between computers, electronic devices, peripherals, networks or other technical systems where a hierarchical structure or control connection is required.
Why are we renaming?
We are aware that this was an established terminology in information technology until now. Nevertheless, we would like to rename it at this point. The terminology "master/slave" in interaction draws historical associations to centuries of exploitation of human life and labour, which has a racist background. These patterns of inequality and disparagement of groups that are embedded in memory can become entrenched through the use of terminology, as our language (unconsciously) shapes our thinking. We want to counteract this.
How does this affect you?
As already written, we will now gradually adapt the wording in our documents. We would be pleased if you would also follow our suggestion in business conversation.
Why "Main" and "Sub"?
We have evaluated several possibilities for naming our drive coding. With "Main/Sub" we see on the one hand a high technical comprehensibility of the hierarchy between our system components and on the other hand the abbreviations "M" and "S", which are relevant for our existing product certifications, can remain.
Are we the only ones doing this now?
No, the debate about the terminology "master/slave" is not new. Other organizations such as Twitter, IBM, Cisco, Modbus or Python have been using different terminologies for years.
Why only now?
Certainly, the renaming could have taken place earlier. However, the global debate on linguistic and structural violence in society in recent years has brought the issue to the forefront and it has also been raised in our idea management by an employee in international sales.
