Not to be outdone, Microsoft had a few words to say regarding Apple’s anti-DRM move; Microsoft said in a speech that sounded vaguely like campaign rhetoric that, “Zune has been working with a variety of partners to head in [the anti-DRM] direction.”

In direct response to the Apple’s press release and the general public distaste for DRM, Microsoft said loftily, “Consumers have indicated [having DRM free music] is important to them…This is a time of transition for the music industry and Microsoft is committed to striking a balance between delivering the best consumer experience while still protecting the rights of the content owners.”

That sounds so vague and yet oddly pleasant, I feel compelled to vote for something.

On the flip side, in regard to DRM protection in general, Microsoft also said this:

“Regardless of the outcome of DRM for music downloads, DRM technologies will still have a key role in enabling businesses involving digital content. Subscription music services are a good example – they use DRM to enable consumers to have unlimited access to literally millions of music tracks. Other areas include the delivery of high quality video content, such as movies. Our role continues to be to deliver flexible DRM technology that provides choice for the content owner in how they distribute their content and choice for the consumer so that they have access to a wide variety of high-quality content and ways to enjoy that content.”

What we take from this last little tidbit is:

1. DRM isn’t going anywhere, as far as Microsoft is concerned

2. DRM is necessary in both the video and audio entertainment industries

3. Microsoft wants to deliver the most flexibility to customers who want options in their content use, but will do so within the constraints of DRM

As popular as the “hate on DRM” thing has been recently, Microsoft’s stance is regrettably safe; the problem isn’t Microsoft or Apple. Responsibility for DRM lies in the entertainment industry, whose distributors are only acting in what they feel are the best interests of their clients.

Will DRM really ever be gone? Perhaps Apple’s move to beat DRM is just an image boosting attempt to gain more support from the consumer public; maybe Steve Jobs knows DRM can’t be beat in entirety.

If you noticed the finer points of Apple’s address today, you would have noticed that Apple will still be selling EMI’s music with DRM; DRM-free content will be available, but in addition to the already established basis of DRM-protected content, and at a higher price.

Either way, it seems that Microsoft is trying to catch a few support votes of their own with their response to Apple’s move earlier today. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right Mr. Gates?

Related:

Entry was posted on Monday, April 2nd, 2007 at 7:29 pm under Uncategorized.

Read more entries by Triston McIntyre.
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