DRM technology, primarily either OMA DRM or Windows Media DRM, is finding its way into mobile phones initially via the smartphone, an advanced voice/data hybrid device for high-bandwidth networks which enable the delivery and playback of “high-value” video and audio content. As lower-end “feature phones,” which offer mid-range features like ringtones and multimedia messaging, begin to adopt DRM technology over the next several years, DTC expects nearly 40 percent of all new mobile units shipped worldwide will contain DRM. According to DTC estimates, this implies some 300 million units will ship annually by 2009, a leap of more than 100 times over a five-year period.
“Nokia’s implementation of the Open Mobile Alliance DRM 1.0/2.0 technology across its smartphone 2005 product line, as well as the similar move by smartphone OS leader, Symbian, in its popular Series 60 OS, has set the stage for dramatic and rapid growth in DRM-enabled mobile phones and the high-value media content they offer,” said Antonette Goroch, DTC’s senior analyst.
