DRM: The Software Saga

A couple interesting things are happening in the weeks to come – Steve Jobs and EMI are holding a press conference at EMI’s London headquarters tomorrow. People are excited to see what Jobs is going to be discussed. There are some rumors going around – speculation about more on DRM. New York Times analyst Mark Mulligan guessed in his article Juniper that tomorrow's event evolves around a "Yellow Submarine" iPod that comes preloaded with Beatles tracks. "The trademark settlement deal clearly raised the possibility of Apple selling EMI music in a physical format. This is an original idea and helps Apple with their core business, selling devices.” Who knows all the savvy and innovative things Jobs is doing? Like the iPhone isn’t enough to hold and support sales.

More about DRM, Nettwerk Music Group CEO Terry McBride in Nashville alongside his outspoken opposition to RIAA lawsuits and embrace of a more forward-thinking business models; predicted that Universal Will be the leader in dropping DRM. Even Further speculating that digital downloads will fall to .25 cents. McBride’s prediction is probably right due to Universal’s leadership in market share and power in sales. All exciting stuff – the saga of Apple and DRM are about to embark on an even longer journey this week.