Content, Delivery, and DRM

Within the realm of the World Wide Web exist programs functioning beyond the scope of the web-browser that still rely on the standard HTTP. Media players, file sharing services, and digital music warehouses allow for both streaming content and progressive downloads that have completely changed the way people use the Internet. The main cause, of course, this is the availability of high-speed home connections (allowing bigger downloads), faster machines (to process higher-fidelity content), and Internet-wire[less] hand-held smart devices (giving you the power of a PC in the palm of your hand). With the ability to deliver said content nearly anywhere, there comes the question of copyright enforcement. There has always been a question of export laws regulating the bits pumped through the digital pipes, but software and media licensing is an even more important issue: to insure an income, the content provider must take into their hands the task and responsibility of protecting their valuable bytes. Rights management has become an extremely important communication technology practice.