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October 26, 2004

Gov't Complains About MS DRM

Sorry for blogging this so late. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that the government complained about Microsoft's release of technical data in rights-protected format:

...The Justice Department and 17 states that negotiated a landmark antitrust deal with Microsoft said the company's current plan "significantly limits the practical usability" of the information Microsoft was compelled to reveal to its competitors.
...The government said Microsoft's preferred format doesn't support sophisticated search techniques to make the information easier to navigate and effectively prevents rival software engineers from making notes. Also, it can be viewed only using Microsoft's own browser software, the government said.

Microsoft's lawyers contend that the protected document format, known as "MHT," could be viewed through rival Web browser software designed to support it; the company acknowledged, however, there are no non-Microsoft browsers that currently can view such files.

...The company's lawyers praised the MHT format as offering "the best available combination of navigational and usability features, familiar viewer interface, ability to handle very large document files and security."

The actual order is here (PDF). It reads in relevant part:

...Microsoft proposes to offer the revised technical documentation to licensees in a file format that is a rights-protected derivative of HTML. Plaintiffs are concerned that this format significantly limits the practical usability of the documentation. For example, a licensee cannot annotate the documentation or use bookmarks to facilitate collaboration with other authorized users of the documentation and the licensee. This format also does not support sophisticated search techniques that would make the documentation easier to navigate and use. Finally, the documentation in its current form can only be used with Microsoft’s own Internet Explorer browser. Microsoft has agreed to meet with the TC to discuss this matter and has promised to provide a report within 60 days on additional measures that it would be willing to take to improve the usability of the documentation.

The question is whether you will be able to complain to a judge about rights-protected material. Fat chance!

Posted by chris at October 26, 2004 06:23 PM

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