Interoperability of DRM Across Networks
New channels, particularly the Internet and mobile networks are transforming the distribution of content that is subject to intellectual property (IP) rights, thereby leading to increased dependence on network delivery. As a result, the need to find an effective means to control the usage and distribution of IP is creating enhanced emphasis on digital rights management (DRM). Moreover, the implementation of the open mobile alliance (OMA) DRM v2.0 enables improved interoperability across networks and is expected to boost the growth of DRM solutions in Europe.
“DRM will witness further growth as content owners exhibit their desire to promote content to customers through all available channels”, notes Mr. Pranab Mookken, ICT Industry Manager at Frost & Sullivan (http://wireless.frost.com) “Further, the implementation of OAM DRM v2.0 will spur the wireless content industry market which will reach around €20.00 billion by 2011.”
Several content owners including large media houses are in need of best-of-breed DRM system solutions to facilitate maximum interoperability. In keeping with the need of the communications industry for agnostic DRM, which allows for seamless interoperability across fixed and wireless networks, the market is expected to witness growth.
At present, the file size of DRM (built into content or delivered separately) remains a challenge. File size plays an important role in ensuring that the handsets processors are not unnecessarily burdened.
“Hence, it will become essential to ensure ease of use in the implementation of DRM technologies”, says Mr. Mookken. “Besides the focus on security, DRM and content management solutions from companies such as Coremedia A.G, which are OMA DRM v2.0 compliant also provide emphasis on content distribution. As a result, operators that run CoreMedia DRM, such as Vodafone, will benefit from increased usage of mobile content applications due to the improved interoperability offered by the OMA DRM v2.0.”
To combat rampant digital piracy, ensuring protection against attempts to remove control mechanisms will also become important for effective DRM. Thus, DRM will need to progress towards an open and transparent control mechanism. As proprietary systems restrict industry growth, thereby hindering industry participation and innovation, open standards at the software as well as the platform level are imperative for continued growth.
Wireless network operators currently facing challenges of falling average revenue per user (ARPU) will also gain from standardised and interoperable DRM systems. Besides raising data ARPU for both, fixed and wireless service providers, DRM also assists in driving network traffic by providing secure transfer of sensitive payment-related information.
Network operators are currently pursuing premium data services (which include applications such as ring tones, screensavers, full-track music, video and audio streaming and subscription services such as news and sports) to boost their ARPUs, thereby leading to greater focus on effective DRM.
With the growing trend of increased focus on software, companies in the value chain are in need of complementing their existing products with bundled solutions that include DRM. Thus, as a number of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and devices manufacturing companies become part of the DRM value chain, DRM is expected to enjoy greater demand.
As DRM is evolving, it will become crucial to provide a level of ubiquitous functionality across multiple platforms. In addition, DRM, particularly for wireless networks, will need to incorporate MPEG and audio layer3 (MP3) music file formats that can work across multiple platforms and devices.
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