DRM: MicroSoft Relents
I ranted about Microsoft’s decision to suspend updates to its MSN Music Servers, effectively crippling all music bought through its service because of the “DRM” encoded into the songs. Once your present computer or music player dies, so does your music.
Digital Home now reports that Microsoft is relenting, and will keep the servers on line that allow you to re-authorize the music on new computers until 2011.
Well, that’s better. But not good enough. Its one thing for me to lose a CD, or scratch it beyond repair. But that’s a rarity, and usually we can keep songs we buy indefinitely. We pass them on to our children. Microsoft’s solution is only slightly less evil.
Microsoft should have to keep the servers up and operating indefinitely, or provide another alternative for the legal purchasers to play their music. Otherwise, “crime does pay” and only the pirates have unfettered, long term access to their music. Those who play by the rules should not be punished, or encouraged by draconian measures like DRM to join in the illegal activities of the file sharing pirates.
