This article looks at the battle between Apple and RealNetworks over the creation of Harmony, which has music that is compatible with the iPod. RealNetworks took a step towards interoperability when they created a version of Harmony that is iPod compatible without licensing from Apple. Apple immediately responded to the situation by claiming that they are looking into the legality of Harmony under the DMCA. Apple also said that future iPod software updates would put an end to the compatibility. RealNetworks claims that they have acted legally and changed the DRM on their music, which they own, to work with the iPod. Apple has a lot to protect with the iPod since it makes up a considerable amount of their revenue. Critics of RealNetworks argue that there has been interoperability with the MP3 format, and it is the use of alternate formats, such as WMA, that has put an end to widespread compatibility. Others argue for Apple to license its DRM and software to companies that sell digital music in order to solve the interoperability issues. Some also think that if Apple prevents this compatibility, there may be a consumer backlash, as the limits of the technology under the DMCA are brought to the foreground. It is also known that it is beneficial for Apple not to have compatibility because it will take away from their profits. If there is compatibility, and WMA files can be put on an iPod, there will be little reason for people to use iTunes and stay only within the Apple realm. The ability of RealNetworks to create a version of its software that allows music purchased to be compatible with the iPod poses a threat to Apple on a larger scale, because it opens up the possibility to other major competitors such as Microsoft. However, analysts say that complete compatibility will not happen anytime soon because each company wants to be able to dominate the market with their technology.
This article, although brief, is interesting because it shows how Apple responded to a threat to its control of an industry. This article was written very soon after RealNetworks announced that it had created a version of Harmony that allowed iPod compatibility. It shows how the immediate response to a threat like this is the DMCA. Apple immediately turns to the laws not because of copyright, but because they want to maintain control of their iPod empire. This shows how the DMCA is used to protect monopolies and prevent widespread compatibility and interoperability. The nature of copyright law changes with the DMCA, which is exploited by technology companies and used as a means of market control and monopolization.