Wave Systems Corp. (fka WAVXQ)

[barge]

Wavehello/Rooster--Very interesting! All of those INCOMPATIBLE DRM security formats, and yet ALL of the major players are claiming that seamless Interoperability is not far away. Of course, WAVE has a solution with its Embassy Platform. With Embassy EVERY DRM security format, can be converted into a single solitary APPLET!!!

Here are some of my favorite parts in that piece:

"A wave of competing and incompatible DRM products has hit the market from Microsoft, Apple Computer, Sony, IBM, RealNetworks and others, creating interoperability headaches for consumers. For example, Apple's best-selling iPod digital-music player supports only the company's own flavor of DRM, which is used on songs purchased from its iTunes Music Store. DRM-protected songs purchased from other music download stores can't be played back on the iPod, nor will iTunes songs play on any MP3 player other than the iPod."

Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications and Siemens make a total of 46 handsets that use an early version of OMA's DRM, while Ericsson and Openwave Systems make servers that use the technology, according to OMA's Web site."

"Microsoft disharmony?
It is unclear how, or if, the OMA specification will work with competing DRM schemes--Microsoft's Windows Media technology, in particular.

Microsoft has been a member of the OMA for some time and points to its work within the body as evidence that it is a backer of open standards and interoperability. However, the company has been relentless in its push toward making Windows Media--and associated digital rights management tools--a standard for distribution of content on virtually all devices.

Jason Reindorp, group manager of Microsoft's Windows Digital Media Division, said interoperability is key to DRM.

"Digital rights management technology needs to, first of all, enable the seamless flow of media between devices and services, and we have been working with all points of the industry to ensure this happens," he said. "All of the major music labels, film studios and
more than 50 online content services, as well as 60 portable devices, work with Windows Media and Windows Media DRM, ensuring the consumer has the best experience, while content is appropriately protected."