GeekForce

I went to lunch recently with a guy I used to work with. We got to talking about whats new in networking. What I learned is that there’s not really much new in network gear these days. The backbone providers want to learn how to use what they have to do more intelligent things - build an automated distribution system, that provides the same abilities to data streams that take for granted with static files.

This got us talking about video distribution. And that’s when I had to mention it. DRM.
What got me to thinking was that my friend metioned that the production houses really want to control who can distribute their programs on what networks. So, Rights Management is about enabling a network to broadcast a program.
Right now, we think about encumbering the end user with some kind of limitation on what they can do with content. That the limitation is on them. But maybe, just maybe we’ve got things stood on their ear.
I’ve got the opinion now that we are not seeing the forest for the trees. We are encumbered by DRM, it’s a pain in the ass, but what if its just the first part of a bigger leap that will be made toward giving content producers just that power?
How do the economics change for the end user when it is easier to do the distribution because the Rights management is handled properly for the producer, by the network, and they can trust that the networks that carry the content are legitimized for it?
Doesn’t this make it easier for us to handle security? If the networks all have to handle this rights management, then knowing what is authorized and what is not is easier to do.
Its also easier, and more important to ignore stuff you dont care about…
It’s a pain in the ass for end users, but if it is going to give the producer the ability to manage distribution rights in a cleaner way, then maybe — just maybe I’m all for it…

Just my 2 cents after a really interesting lunch.