It is not a new, Filed engineers as far back as 1980, used what was called a service module to run diags and set parameters of the on board electronics. Before the laptops and dongles that are now common.
When customers asked to purchase the service module, the company response, Intellectual property and not for sale. Not surprised this is happening myself, and have kind of expected it to have been locked down sooner.
The dirty little secret regarding computer control. It is very easy to work with, tells on itself. Using a simple flow chart, it starts with the last link of the chain and works its way back to the first component of the system. In others words when all else fails replace, in this case the car.
Not all that smart looking from the bottom up, when a good troubleshooter can see or find a failing component in the middle of that chain.
But that's what we have today, parts changers, lacking in the ability to think thru system processes, and understand how a machine is supposed to work in the first place.
For me keeping my 99 for now, the wife's CTS, will require trips to a service provider that will have the ability to, LOL change parts. Even that, considering the modular designs, can require in some cases the front clip or engine to be removed to change the water or PS pump .
Pep