JamieG Analysis

Adobe is about to release “Flash Media Server 3“. (The web site says it has, but the download area still has version 2, for 3 weeks now. Waiting….)

This is great news especially because the PRICE has come down to a resonable level.

This is a “Change the internet event”. Mainly because it will allow producers to build their own network and distribution platforms with DRM. (I.e. only available via Microsoft media sellers, Itunes, or a handful of proprietary systems.)

I know DRM is a four letter word to many readers, however, it is inevitable that in the future, content will ONLY be distributed via the internet. And as such, for the first month or so, via a light DRM system that has an initial hurdle to jump over apart from the lower quality Analog whole.

This will reduce the need for gate keeper type organisations that take on your content and ultimately controls its future. The only real piece missing is the marketing of the content.

Considering the fragmentation of the market and the freedom of the consumer ever increasing. Light DRM content will establish itself as a reasonable business model in the near future.

This new Media Server supports AES encryption on progressive downloaded content. Ie, you can protect cached media. You can take advantage of the new Adobe Media Player.

New business modems for online video will develop around these new tools. This gives producers more options and possibilities to monetize content.