DRM is not useless
DRM is not useless.
If properly rolled out as a universal container format, it could be integrated into a suite of applications that could be accessed from any portable media device.
Books, games, music, video... any form of intellectual property could see a brand new distribution channel in the form of DRM.
Microsoft and Shared Media Licensing have access to a wrapper format that disconnects the files from the client server relationship by placing the client info directly within the file itself.
However, these two companies are currently at odds over who gets the percentages for maintaining the database.
The truth is neither of these corps should get it. This format should be managed and maintain by a non-profit similar to ICANN for maximum playability across the board. Leave it open-book and let everyone know where the money is being spent and who its going to.
DRM is a natural progression. But corporate taxation of the format is not a natural progression and should be eliminated as soon as possible.