An Open Source Dream

Filed in archive Innovation , Technology on July 17, 2006

Sun has a dream. It is expanding its open source initiatives from Java programming to media rights with Project DReaM at OpenMediaCommons.org. Their open source architecture is another solution in addition to meta-DRM to the balkanization of formats.

Dream provide real interoperability.
> Music and video can be played on any certified device or software. It won't be locked to one product, like iTunes files only playing on iPods.
> Content providers can be assured of a wide range of supporting players.

It even has the support of Lawrence Lessig who wrote:

"In a world where DRM has become ubiquitous, we need to ensure that the ecology for creativity is bolstered, not stifled, by technology. We applaud Sun's efforts to rally the community around the development of open-source, royalty-free DRM standards that support 'fair use' and that don't block the development of Creative Commons ideals."

DReaM will need broad buy-in from vendors and entertainment suppliers to succeed. While Apple has no incentive to join, everyone else does. Second tier manufacturers can provide a benefit that Apple doesn't. Major labels can retain more control over licensing compared to current Apple terms that fix pricing.

Project DReaM

Project DReaM is an initiative to develop an open Digital Rights Management (DRM) solution for multiple domains (media, documents, enterprise, personal, etc.). This open source project develops an end-to-end Reference Implementation for the DReaM Specifications in order to enable a quick-start for DRM solutions.