Orb Network's Media Streams Now Free For All

InternetNews: It looks like the 3 yr. old Orb Networks, a developer of streaming media software and services, has decided to adapt to change and radically change its business model according to a press release sent out on Tuesday. The Orb Media software, will now be FREE to all users. Orb’s software and service gives consumers the ability to spontaneously access their live TV, music, photos, videos, and other digital content located on their home PC from virtually any Internet-enabled device, from anywhere in the world, and now provides that service without adding any new monthly fees for new and current customers.

In comparison to other services, Orb says not charging customers actually gives it a competitive edge. Jim Behrens, Orb Networks CEO, said, "By eliminating subscription fees, Orb eliminates the final barrier between consumers and their digital media...and in our view, a free Orb service will exponentially increase our value proposition for those customers -- and millions of new customers as well."

What's interesting though, as far as DRM goes - Orb locks down the content and does not allow content copying for its service. In other words, Orb only allows one stream allowed per authenticated user and only one stream for each piece of content at any time. Customers cannot skip advertisements, but Orb can impose additional content-specific controls on copying (i.e. re-broadcasting, streaming, and device restricted viewing.) Other subscription companies should take note - this is one way to compete with the free-for-all going on with P2P ...