Open-Source DRM

Sun calls it DReaM.

According to Wired, Sun Microsystems is working on a DRM scheme based in open source coding and a more reasonable set of expectations.

Essentially, DReaM would be a “standard DRM” that crossed multiple devices. Since it’s open source, it would cost very little for device manufacturers to add support for the files, and although DReaM files would still only play on certified devices (like the current ass-backwards DRM schemes from Microsoft and Apple), there would be very little preventing devices from becoming certified.

If device manufacturers accept it, then chances are consumers will like it as well (I understand the need for DRM, but that doesn’t mean I like the fact that the songs I buy from Apple won’t play anywhere but my iPod). If there was a DReaM music store that I could use, I probably would.

My only question is how back-certification would be handeled. Apple will probably never open the iPod to play DReaM files, because that’s their version of customer loyalty, but will other existing devices be able to play the new DRM? Or will consumers have to wait until it’s time to buy new audio players before they can use it?

Time will tell.