There has been some discussion with regard to the new activation polices on existing products, and especially, our Windows operating systems. While we continue to evaluate different mechanisms and policies, our goal and continued aim has been to ensure that customers have Genuine Microsoft products. Our surveys have demonstrated a clear desire from our user-base that they do not want to purchase, and subsequently use, software that is illicit or, in any way, illegitimate.
We are pleased to announce a long-term strategy, that we feel, will both benefit consumers and assist us in exposing and preventing customer vulnerabilities. Our research has shown that DRM continues to be a powerful deterrent for piracy, one need only look to the music industry to hail its benefits. Additionally, we point to the gaming industry as a viable model on which to base our product delivery. Bill Collector, a senior analyst with the marketing team explains the strategy this way;
"In the future, when you install a Microsoft based product or Operating System, the DVD will contain a 'lock' that must be present for the OS to function. These locks will only appear on certified Microsoft products. Yes, it means you have to leave the disc in your drive in order to use the OS but we have provisional plans for that."
The team has had a hard sell but senior Microsoft officials hail the findings as a milestone.
"Basically, nobody uses their DVD-ROM drives anymore, with the new DRM features, it breathes new life into dying technology." Our source add "as a value add, we could bundle a DVD drive with our OS."
The hurdle for most users is having to install additional hardware simply to have a functional OS.
"This is a glorified dongle", said an anonymous source. Microsoft counters the argument by adding "SecuROM, StarForce and others are leaders in their field and the ROI for software developers is clear."
Repeated calls were made to SecuROM but no clear comment was made in time for this story "we just got news and have been partying like animals over here. Sorry, I'm pretty hung-over, who is this?"
Microsoft has not made any formal announcements but adds "we're working on a model now that acts as a coffee cup warmer/Slurpee cooler. It's USB-based and should be a big hit with the WoW crowd"
DRM is expected to go into effect with the official launch of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009.
