Windows Media digital rights management (DRM) is a flexible platform that makes it possible to protect and securely deliver a la carte and subscription content for playback on a computer, portable device, or network device connected to an IP network. The latest release of Windows Media DRM enables new scenarios for consumers and provides content owners with new outlets for their content. The following sample scenarios show how an already robust platform now offers even greater value.
Today, consumers can download thousands of tracks to their computers from a variety of content services for a low monthly subscription fee. However, this subscription content hasn't been transferable to portable devices. Windows Media DRM 10 solves this issue by providing platform technology that allows content services to deliver content with expanded business rules and enables devices to support those business rules. This means that subscription content can flow to devices, making subscriptions more valuable to consumers.
For instance, consumers will be able to download a virtually unlimited number of tracks through their subscription, play them as often as desired, and transfer them to any device that supports Windows Media DRM 10. These tracks will be linked to licenses that have start and end dates. At the end of the billing period, the consumer connects to the content service provider and licenses are automatically refreshed provided the consumer has paid the fee. Otherwise, the licenses simply expire.