soft/firmware is made by the same folks. The Vipec brand is the higher end of the two ecus though. Got more options and stuff. There IS a difference despite what most think. You can buy a link and unlock options if you want them but a vipec has everything unlocked. If you buy a link and unlock everything you will end up with a more expensive ecu than the vipec but still lack options compared to it. So same same, but different..