Bertelsmann will soon launch their decentralized peer-to-peer network GNAB (bang) to Germany by the end of the year and other countries in 2006. The source files will be hosted on centralized servers, consumers only have access to the system when they go through a particular partner or company.
According to the German news portal Heise the files will be DRM protected and a centralized licensing-system will ensure that no copyright violations occur.
Update: It is interesting to note that Bertelsmann is the company that bought the popular music distribution platform Napster. The service later was bought by the US-American company Best Buy. Napster as of today is still fully operational in several countries of the world.
Information about Bertelsmann’s project to launch a new file system have gone quiet ever since it was first reported. You can still find information about GNAB (Big Bang backwards) on the Bertelsmann website.
It reads:
Enjoyed the article?: Then sign-up for our free newsletter or RSS feed to kick off your day with the latest technology news and tips, or share the article with your friends and contacts on Facebook or Twitter.“GNAB” (“Big Bang” backwards) is a download platform for all kinds of digital content, from ringtones to movies. The special thing about GNAB is that it combines the advantages of centralized and decentralized networks while eliminating their drawbacks.
Central session controls safeguard the licensor’s copyrights and regulations at all times, as well as the high quality of the files. This also means added security for end users, since it eliminates any viral threat. GNAB’s decentralized approach makes it possible to distribute all kinds of media content efficiently and economically. And there are no limits to the capacity of a decentralized system.
For licensors, GNAB represents a secure new distribution channel. Download vendors can use the new technology to extend their range, tap new target groups or address them more specifically by building communities, and lower their costs. For end customers, GNAB is a download platform that allows for downloaded all types of licensed digital content from the Net – at top speed and in the best of quality. It also provides incentives for participating in the community. And since GNAB is a “White Label” platform, each customer can apply their own graphical user interface (GUI).
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