White paper G900c
DRM
The Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology enables the secure distribution, promotion, and sale of digital media. Examples of such content include screen savers, themes, ringtones, and branded games (currently restricted to java games/ midlets only). In other words, content providers can control how users may use different types of content in devices, such as, mobile phones, computers or PDAs. Content providers can also control the use of content in related services, such as MMS and download.
Sony Ericsson is actively focusing on technology standardization for the DRM concept, and supports the ongoing standardization work and activities of the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). Sony Ericsson is fully committed to open standard solutions in the mobile environment and is a principal driver of many open standard initiatives. This will ensure the interoperability of mobile phones in the DRM area and also result in a strong, competitive DRM standard.
G900c supports the OMA DRM v1 standard.
FWL – Forward Lock
G900c supports OMA DRM Forward Lock. It is the simplest OMA use case, with no special licences defined. The content is provided in a single DRM packaged file, thus protecting the content from being distributed by the user. It enables a secure means for the content provider to deliver/provide content which incurs a charge. Forward Lock content will normally be received by G900c as part of an MMS message or via HTTP download. G900c supports OMA Download. More information is available at www.sonyericsson.com/developer.
CD – Combined Delivery
G900c supports OMA DRM Combined Delivery/ Forward Lock. Content and associated licences are downloaded or delivered to the user as a single DRM packaged file. This means that the content or licence issuer controls to which extent the content can be used. As with pure Forward Lock, the user will be unable to distribute this content for use on another device.
SD – Separate Delivery
G900c supports OMA DRM Separate Delivery. Content and associated licences are received as separate DRM packages, either simultaneously or at different points in time. This enables the distribution of content to other users – with the same possibilities to control the use of the content as exist with Combined Delivery/Forward Lock. Distribution of content to other users will require them to obtain licences from the licence issuer.
Protection properties
Content that is protected according to the OMA DRM standard is given special properties:
•Content with Forward Lock or Combined Deliv- ery protection cannot be further distributed since the “Send to” option is disabled.
•All three types of protected content (FWL, CD and SD) packages can be stored on a memory card, thereby enabling storage of large amounts of content.
•OMA DRM Combined Delivery/Forward Lock protected content cannot be used in another device other than the device it was saved on. Only Separate Delivery packages can be used on another device, after obtaining licences to use the content on the new device. Licences to use the content can never be distributed from user to user (phone to phone). Licences always have to be obtained directly from the licence issuer.
DRM package
DRM packaging software is typically included in the software used by the content provider. It is used to create the DRM package according to the OMA DRM v1 standard before it is delivered to the phone, including content and associated licences.
In Japan, only files with SD protection for playback will be accepted in the Media player and in some European markets DRM content can be used only for automated use/themes, such as ringtones.
48 | August 2008 |