IBM abandons controversial CPRM

IBM Corp., a member of the powerful 4C Entity along with Intel, Matsushita and Toshiba, has withdrawn support for Copy Protection for Recordable Media or CPRM. Prior to the turnaround, it was assumed that the T.13 committee controlling the ATA storage standards would approve an amended form of the CPRM proposal that would limit its use to removable media.

In its original form, the copy protection technology might have been used to control the way files copied from tagged media could be used even on personal PCs. Opposition to the plan, seen by many as an attempt to take over PC owners' hard drives, almost certainly played a role in IBM's withdrawal of the proposal. Another technology, proposed by an engineer from Phoenix Technologies, was chosen by the T.13.

For more information, read theregister.co.uk and news.com.