Ronald Schmelzer, senior analyst for XML and Web services research firm ZapThink, discussed Microsoft’s play with internetnews.com.

“The approach Microsoft is taking is to use a centralized system that can be accessed via Web Services. This single trusted source would control all the important steps in the DRM process. In essence, it would be an end-to-end, closed-loop system as exists in a number of major DRM products from companies such as those that used to be produced by InterTrust,” Schmelzer said. “In this DRM environment the system has to package rights, encrypt the content, put it in a central repository, provide means for activation on the receiving end, issue licenses, and provide a way to inform the rendering application (Adobe, RealPlayer, etc.) about the terms of the license such as number of times to view, rights to print, and expiration. This monolithic model for DRM, while secure and doable, presents a number of hurdles to the adoption of this important piece of functionality that can enable trustworthy computing going forward.

Read more at: Internetnews.com