RealNetworks Unveils Digital Security Suite

RealNetworks (www.realnetworks.com) announced it was launching its long-awaited digital rights management solution, called RealSystem Media Commerce Suite. According to the company, the system allows rights holders to securely sell their digital assets online.

RealNetworks said its suite will provide security for MusicNet, the online music subscription service from AOL Time Warner, Bertelsmann, EMI and RealNetworks scheduled for release later this year.

"The launch of the RealSystem Media Commerce Suite will ignite the market for commercial media distribution," said Rob Glaser, chairman and CEO of RealNetworks, in a statement. "By combining an extremely comprehensive, renewable security system and deep integration with our installed based of 200 million registered users, the Media Commerce Suite offers a true breakthrough in both security and ease of use. We believe the RealSystem Media Commerce Suite will generate huge benefits for rights holders, artists and consumers alike.''

RealNetworks said its platform lets customers use multiple back-end systems, rights security and rights management solution, such as InterTrust’s tools.

The suite includes: RealSystem Packager (for preparing encoded content for streaming and download), RealSystem License Server (which authenticates and secures licenses for secured content), RealSystem Trusted Delivery Plug-in (which lets providers deliver content) and an update for RealPlayer.

To enable its rights system, RealNetworks announced it was looking to establish a language, known as the eXtensible Media Commerce Language (XMCL), to manage media business rules. A web site on XMCL will be available at (www.xmcl.org).