Palm Reader eBooks Head for the Library
Palm Digital Media, a subsidiary of PalmSource, today announced a new version of the Palm Retail Encryption Server Software. The software provides libraries with an easy way to let patrons check out Palm Reader eBooks. The announcement came at the Open eBook Forum's Tablet PC Digital Publishing Conference held today at McGraw-Hill Auditorium.
The software's Digital Rights Management (DRM) process uses a hardware identification number assigned by the Palm Reader eBook application to a handheld or desktop computer. The server uses this ID to lock an eBook to a specific device and assign an expiration date to the eBook, beyond which the user will not be able to open it. This DRM protects the eBooks against unauthorized distribution.
OverDrive, Inc., a leading provider of eBook, eCommerce and Digital Rights Management (DRM) solutions, is adding the newserver software to its Digital Library Reserve service for public, academic, and corporate libraries for the secure lending of Palm Reader eBooks.
"Palm Reader eBooks are in great demand worldwide," said OverDrive Senior Vice President Ray Leach. "We are excited to offer thousands of premium titles from best-selling authors in Palm Reader format ready for libraries to build their digital collections. Since Palm Digital Media provides free eBook software for PC and Mac desktops and notebooks, handheld computers, and the new Tablet PC, libraries and institutions can use Palm Reader eBooks to serve the needs of a wide range of patrons."
"Libraries can now let users of handheld computers check out eBooks, and provide all computer users with access to one of the largest collection of titles available from major publishers," said Jeff Strobel, director of Palm Digital Media. "This technology brings them one step closer to full implementation of an electronic book system that will offer equal access to anyone."
A user simply opens a library-enabled version of the Palm Reader eBook application, and taps or clicks on About Palm Reader. There the user will find a device ID number that he or she must provide to the library system. The library patron is then able to download a book, which can only be read by that device for the number of days specified by the library. The software and service will be available early next year.
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RE: I've been waiting for this!
RE: I've been waiting for this!
-Davy Fields
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Palm_OS_5/
RE: I've been waiting for this!
As it is, when you purchase a Palm Digital Media format book, it's protected with your credit card number. There's nothing to prevent you from giving the book to all your friends as long as you don't mind giving them your CC number too :-) Personally, this is the least "painful" DRM solution I've ever encountered.
RE: I've been waiting for this!
http://library.fictionwise.com/fll/
You don't have to go anywhere to use it. :)
RE: I've been waiting for this!
"Safe journey spacefans, wherever you are." --Stephen Hill - Hearts of Space--
RE: I've been waiting for this!
RE: Fictionwise
http://library.fictionwise.com/fll/
You don't have to go anywhere to use it. :)"
Looks like this costs a membership on top of the fee. Plus, it seems only to work with Mobipocket. So far, I prefer PalmReader.
I sure hope PalmSource intends to follow the library model and not charge for this. Free eLibrary is a dream come true!
RE: I've been waiting for this!
RE: I've been waiting for this!
None of the above. This is meant for web sites to provide ebooks to download. As in an Internet Library, rather than a physical Library.
RE: I've been waiting for this!
They actually have a good number of free ebooks available on-line in many different formats. Also, they have a members' club (which has an associated membership fee) that entitles you to discounts on ebooks, etc.
They also announced a new platform called Libwise.com a few months ago, to which a local library can subscribe for a minimal fee (ISTR $30 per month).
Steve
RE: I've been waiting for this!
Plus, contrary to what my library says, I can't find a way to download an ebook to my PDA via NetLibrary. I hope that this isn't the kind of attitude that libraries are going to take regarding a superior service such as PDM.
Full-time computer network engineer
Part-time computer science teacher
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RE: I've been waiting for this!
<<
How will I check a ebook out? Do I need Bluetooth? Will the library have the correct cradle for my device? Or will they just beam it to me accross the counter?
>>
my guess is that if a bricks and mortar library decided to do this, it would probably be a beaming situation. i don't think it's outlandish to consider the possibility of particularly well-ndowed libraries to install kiosks to distribute ebooks. simply have the user type their device ID, and then have the kiosk beam the book over.
--------------------------------------
"Well, if it isn't the leader of the wiener patrol, boning up on his nerd lessons"
http://stirwise.com
I agree
Is Palmdigitalmedia.com offline?
Anyone know if it's off line?
RE: Is Palmdigitalmedia.com offline?
We're working on it and should have a fix soon. In the meantime, disable Norton's firewall to get to us.
Happy Holidays!
Lee
What I am waiting for...
Along with that think of the way middle and high school students could study. Now they cannot mark in their textbooks, but electronically they can highlight and make all the notes they want.
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I've been waiting for this!
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