A recent discussion on the LinkedIn Broadcast Professionals group forum (http://www.linkedin.com/) got me thinking about the topic of interchange for properly owned or licensed content between eligible platforms.
The discussion title "a simple question on content" was inspiring. While it dealt mainly with the traditional 'content' definition (text, video, audio, etc); the undertoned message was extensive.
For several years the telcos (Verizons, AT&Ts) of the world have promoted an overhaul to the network that would enable the seamless hand off of communications, data and information where ever the user is. Whether you're in the car (on Bluetooth to your handset), move into the home (where you transfer from wireless to wireline), back to the office (from wireless to Voice over IP telephony), etc.
The success of this so named 'NextGen Network' (NGN) depends upon interoperability - not just in content, but in DRM interchange and the successful use of 'owned' or 'right-to-use/right-to-share' content. If portability is not permitted, there is no purpose to the target of any-where/any-time/any-place networks.
My suspicion is that each content provider will (or already has) faced such challenges, and is as perplexed as the end user. Anyone dealing with iTunes, Zune or the like, knows the issue and can't solve the problem. Once the CD becomes a relic - what will the casual user be forced to do?
Extending the thought process to social networks, which continue to expand - ebb and flow, we need to consider just how 'owned' content will survive and prosper. One concept is an exchangeable Conditional Access key, ones that can be secured and portable among registered owners. The so called portable-CA-key could still enable the rightful exchange of content, leaving the DRM-requirements to continue without hardship.
Consider the current evolution of books (both printed and electronic) in such a discussion. The crisis may come to a head as publishers begin a move away from the printed book to the eBook (e.g., Amazon/Kindle or Sony/Reader Digital) platform. An interesting question was raised this past week on National Public Radio, i.e., "what happens if Kindle goes bust after you've spent hundreds on digital books?" According to the commentator, it appears you are restricted from moving 'owned' or 'licensed ULA content' from any platform to another. So how will the user/purchaser feel if their original content delivery company goes out of business - will you lose your investment entirely?
NPR pointed out that publishers may battle the authors, especially little known authors, who thrive on the sharing of printed (or digital) works for exposure.
All food for thought as we move further away from 'exchangeable' physical media to the dimension of the digital file.
