Management and the Technology Professional – B302

Case study answer 1

If I were the lead developer of the rootkit software at First4Internet Ltd, I wouldn't developed the rootkit software. The most compelling reason is not because it is against the UK legislation, but the hidden danger to the privacy and public security.

In late 2005 that one of the technologies used by SonyBMG Music, XCP(Extended Copy Protection) from UK-based First4Internet, created "rootkit" security vulnerabilities in users' PCs.

Sony BMG Music Entertainment should provide customers with adequate notice of the software and the software should not hide itself from the user. Instead of leaving some part in the system and slowing down the operate system after uninstalling, the software should be easily removed.

Though I didn't buy any Sony BMG CDs before, I bought other anti-piracy CDs. There isn't any rootkits, but I still find lots of inconvenience: Can only play on CD player, If I want to play on PC, I have to install specialized programme. Convert into MP3 and put it in my Ipod? Don't even think of it.Things go contrary to one's wishes, The inconvenience of DRM finally drive the legitimate customers to download pirated music from the internet.

After the anti-piracy software upoar, The UK chose a more reflective route to digital copyright law reform. Two important white papers with relevant recommendations were published in the UK during 2006.And the parties reached a settlement -- approved by the judge soon thereafter -- which effectively put First4Internet out of business. SonyBMG agreed never to use its technology again.

The Sony BMG aims to protect their digital content, so it pay First4Internet for developing the rootkit software. If the First4Internet refused this deal at the very begining, it just lose some money, and now the company have lose all its business,Sony BMG lose its reputation and trust as well.