DRM Interoperability in Networked environments

This paper explores technical and business solutions to the DRM interoperability problem. The lack of interoperability between devices and services using DRM technology is a complex problem that needs to be resolved in order to bring about widespread acceptance of legitimate electronic media distribution systems. In today's world, content, service and device providers usually adopt a single DRM technology that creates a closed system or "silo". While this is fine from a distribution standpoint, content distributed in one silo cannot cross over to a silo that uses a different technology. This is a real problem in a world accustomed to DVDs and CDs playing on all devices. This paper examines fundamental interoperability problems plaguing all participants in the electronic content distribution ecosystem—from consumer to content provider, device maker, service provider, aggregator, and technology vendor—and offers innovations in framing the problem and pragmatic suggestions to remove existing barriers that are restricting growth.