CodeMeter, a new secure protection system, allows cost-effective digital rights management for software and
other digital content. The solution can be used by multiple vendors for multiple products and for pay-per-use
licensing schemes.
THE CHALLENGE
With more and more content available in digital form, the illegal copying and use of software and other digital
information is an increasing problem. The situation is exacerbated by the rapid growth of the internet and
peer-to-peer networks, and by the growing popularity of digital consumer devices of all types. This is not just
a matter for publishers and artists but for society as a whole: piracy leads to losses in tax revenue and jobs,
and ultimately limits the benefits arising from the new digital economy.
The traditional approach to copyright protection has been to use “dongles”, small hardware devices which connect
to the PC. However, these can be cumbersome to install and protect only one product from one vendor. A typical
user will require multiple dongles, which is inconvenient. What is needed is an effective worldwide standard to
protect and measure use of digital content or software; one that is fair for producers and users alike.
WIBU-Systems AG set out to solve this problem. Based in Germany and with offices in USA and China, WIBU specialises
in solutions for digital rights management (DRM).
“We looked at the market and saw an opening for new types of DRM solutions”, says Oliver Winzenried, WIBU’s Chief
Executive Officer. “Such a system should enable pay-per-use and new license models, store usage credits for many
different products and vendors as well as store users’ private data, all with one device”. He continues: “Until now,
DRM systems have failed because they have either been expensive or inconvenient, or both. Next generation systems
should be suitable for low-cost consumer applications as well as for expensive B2B products”.
“We looked at the market and saw an opening for new types of DRM solutions”.
Oliver Winzenried, CEO, WIBU-Systems AG
