>>>>> "MJ" == Matthew Jacob <mjacob@feral.com> writes:

>> Strikes me that the choice is straightforward:
>> 
>> 1. if you use an ioctl, software (e.g. dump, tar, mt) must be modified to
>> take advantage.
>> 
>> 2. if you use a bit in the minor device for a differentiated device node,
>> all existing software works as before (modulo default device name
>> selection).

MJ> Yes- normally my take as well. However, minor bits can be precious,

See previous discussion (~1 month ago?) about coming out of the dark
ages and providing a 32-bit dev_t with plenty of minor device bits to
go around....

==John