Microsoft Relents on Killing MSN Music DRM Authenticaton...For a Few Years

[Jason Dunn]

When I heard about MSN Music's move to de-commission their DRM servers, I came down on them like a sledgehammer, and with good reason. It seems they listened, and that's a really great thing. Here's the email they sent out to MSN Music users today:

"On April 22, Microsoft notified you that as of August 31st, 2008, we would be changing the level of support for music purchased from MSN Music, and while your existing purchased music would continue to play, you would no longer be able to authorize new PCs and devices to play that music. After careful consideration, Microsoft has decided to continue to support the authorization of new computers and devices and delivery of new license keys for MSN Music customers through at least the end of 2011, after which we will evaluate how much this functionality is still being used and what steps should be taken next to support our customers. This means you will continue to be able to listen to your purchased music and transfer your music to new PCs and devices beyond the previously announced August 31, 2008 date. Microsoft continues to recommend that you back up your music on CD or hard drive along with other important data."

2011 gives people a few years longer with their music, and while DRM'd music is still poisonous and should be avoided at all costs, most people don't realize that and you can bet that pretty much everyone who bought tracks from MSN Music didn't think they'd one day stop working. I give Microsoft major props for listening to the outcry of their customers and extending the deadline for their decision.

[Jason Dunn]

When I heard about MSN Music's move to de-commission their DRM servers, I came down on them like a sledgehammer, and with good reason. It seems they listened, and that's a really great thing. Here's the email they sent out to MSN Music users today:

"On April 22, Microsoft notified you that as of August 31st, 2008, we would be changing the level of support for music purchased from MSN Music, and while your existing purchased music would continue to play, you would no longer be able to authorize new PCs and devices to play that music. After careful consideration, Microsoft has decided to continue to support the authorization of new computers and devices and delivery of new license keys for MSN Music customers through at least the end of 2011, after which we will evaluate how much this functionality is still being used and what steps should be taken next to support our customers. This means you will continue to be able to listen to your purchased music and transfer your music to new PCs and devices beyond the previously announced August 31, 2008 date. Microsoft continues to recommend that you back up your music on CD or hard drive along with other important data."

2011 gives people a few years longer with their music, and while DRM'd music is still poisonous and should be avoided at all costs, most people don't realize that and you can bet that pretty much everyone who bought tracks from MSN Music didn't think they'd one day stop working. I give Microsoft major props for listening to the outcry of their customers and extending the deadline for their decision.

[randalllewis]

When I received the e-mail from MSN relenting on music licenses, I thought of your outrage Jason and how it roused me from a "oh, heck, I guess I will be buying some of those songs yet one more time" attitude to get mad enough to fire off my own message of complaint. I am sure a few others were angered enough and encouraged enough by your example to do the same. So thanks Microsoft for listening, but thanks more to Jason for pounding on the drum hard enough to get me moving.

In the meantime I have converted all my files to MP3s however.

[Jason Dunn]

Originally Posted by randalllewis

I am sure a few others were angered enough and encouraged enough by your example to do the same. So thanks Microsoft for listening, but thanks more to Jason for pounding on the drum hard enough to get me moving.

Heh. That's kind of funny. Glad I could help.