What is a "Pad File"?

Someone's looking for them at my site...

[Peeress]

I tried the site search here but didn't come up with anything for 'pad files'.

Someone tried this a few weeks ago, and then today I find more in my logs.. different ips (didn't see the need to post the ip unless someone wants it)and I just let it pass since I don't have anything called pad files on my server (as far as I know)... but now I would like to know what they are when someone takes the time to try every variation they can think of to see if I have them!

File does not exist: /pad-Files
File does not exist: /Pad-Files
File does not exist: /Pad-files
File does not exist: /pad-files
File does not exist: /Pad-file
File does not exist: /pad-File
File does not exist: /Pad-File
File does not exist: /PadFiles
File does not exist: /Padfiles
File does not exist: /PADFILES
File does not exist: /padfiles
File does not exist: /PadFile
File does not exist: /Padfile
File does not exist: /PADFILE
File does not exist: /padfile
File does not exist: /Pads
File does not exist: /PADS
File does not exist: /pads
File does not exist: /Pad
File does not exist: /PAD
File does not exist: /pad

Does a certain type of program have those on servers? What are they used for?
Thanks!

[bcolflesh]

Does your site have anything to do with cryptography?

[dmorison]

Could be something to do with this:

[asp-shareware.org...]

First i've heard of that though, I just did a search on "Pad Files".

[bakedjake]

There was something on the NANOG list this morning about someone getting scanned from different IPs for this.

Might want to Google your local NANOG archives for it. I've already deleted the thread from my inbox, sorry. :-/

[martinibuster]

A pad file is an xml file with all the data a software vendor wants to give to download sites. Instead of going to tucows.com and filling out a form, you simply upload your pad file.

[Peeress]

bcolflesh
Does your site have anything to do with cryptography?

No, nothing do do with that.

dmorison
Could be something to do with this:
[asp-shareware.org...]

I think you're right...
"The ASP has set up a free repository where anyone can post their PAD files for Webmasters and other folks to access. This allows others to easily build content for their online libraries or use as a search engine when looking for a program."

bakedjake
There was something on the NANOG list this morning about someone getting scanned from different IPs for this.

I am not familiar with NANOG lists, but now I'll definitely check it out.

martinibuster
A pad file is an xml file with all the data a software vendor wants to give to download sites. Instead of going to tucows.com and filling out a form, you simply upload your pad file.

Thanks martinibuster!
Well I guess it would be more for software companies. But interesting nevertheless, learned something new.