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For Immediate Release
PassAlong Networks Offers Industry a Compromise Between DRM and Raw MP3s freedomMP3 Version 2.0 Allows Raw MP3 Downloads With Track-Based Rights Franklin, Tenn. — May 8, 2007 — PassAlong Networks™, developer of digital media innovations and services, today announced plans to launch version 2.0 of freedomMP3™, an interoperability platform that offers online music stores the opportunity to provide raw MP3 digital music files that contain security features which honor creator and consumer rights. MP3 files offer true interoperability to consumers because they play on nearly all digital music players including iPods™ and cell phones. Now consumers can enjoy the benefits of raw MP3 files and labels can protect their artists' content with reasonable usage rules. By balancing what consumers want with what artists and labels need, the freedomMP3 platform offers a solution to the current digital rights management (DRM) dilemma plaguing the music industry. A beta version of freedomMP3 was released in 2006, and, based on feedback from music labels, PassAlong added new protection features to Version 2.0. "Consumers want the ability to purchase music from anywhere, play it on all devices and easily move content from device to device, while artists and labels are looking for new ways to significantly increase online digital revenue while protecting their music," said Scott Hughes, senior vice president and co-founder of PassAlong Networks. "Current DRM isn't working for any music stores besides Apple iTunes, and the long term disadvantages of no DRM far outweigh any potential short term boost in sales," continued Hughes. "In my opinion, a consumer friendly, iPod-compatible and licensable content protection system is what the industry needs right now, and we believe freedomMP3 is that solution. Version 2.0 is one more step in the right direction towards solving the current DRM dilemma." The highlight of version 2.0 is the addition of track-based rules that enable artists and creators to predetermine song-by-song how many times their songs can move off the PC. Individual online music stores and content rights-holders now have complete flexibility in setting security specifications depending on their distinctive needs. Labels can determine the number of copies of a song a consumer can make or transfer off of their PC. For example, if a label offers 20 copies of a song to a consumer, then the consumer can email, IM, burn or transfer a copy of the song to a USB key or external drive. When the consumer has exhausted their 20 copies, they then have the option of buying a new set of copies while always retaining the original copy on their PC. PassAlong has a complete product roadmap for freedomMP3, including Mac™ and mobile versions that will be available later this year. FreedomMP3 seamlessly integrates with StoreBlocks and Speakerheart, two other PassAlong services that offer artists and online music stores greater flexibility in selling digital music files. FreedomMP3 works on all PCs running Windows 2000 or higher. Contact PassAlong Networks for more information about custom versions of freedomMP3.
About PassAlong Networks OnTour, StoreBlocks, freedomMP3, PassAlong, Connected Consumer, Passing–and–Points and Speakerheart are trademarks of PassAlong Networks. Mac and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other brands are trademarks of their respective owners. ### PR Contacts: |