digital locker
{{short description|Online file or digital media storage service}}
{{About|the general term 'digital locker'}}
A digital locker or cyberlocker is an online file or digital media storage service. Files stored include music, videos, movies, games and other media.{{cite web|title=digital locker|url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/digital-locker|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727233422/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/digital-locker|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 27, 2014|website=Oxford Dictionary|accessdate=29 August 2014}}{{cite web|title=What Is a Digital Locker?|url=http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-digital-locker.htm|website=wiseGEEK|accessdate=29 August 2014}} The term was used by Microsoft as a part of its Windows Marketplace in 2004. By storing files in a digital locker, users are able to access them anywhere they can find internet connections. Most (but not all) digital locker services require a user to register. Prices range from free to paid, divided according to the complications and strength of the lock.
Uses
Digital lockers, as opposed to simple file storage services, are typically associated with digital distribution — a commercial store where you can buy content such as Steam, Google Play, Amazon, and iTunes.
Download / Play / Watch
Digital locker services often come with integrated client software that allows users to play the movies or games or songs.{{cite web|title=10 obscure Steam features that can power up your PC gaming|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2600209/master-steam-10-powerful-tips-and-tricks-for-pc-gamings-do-it-all-vanguard.html|website=PC world|accessdate=29 August 2014|archive-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901035218/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2600209/master-steam-10-powerful-tips-and-tricks-for-pc-gamings-do-it-all-vanguard.html|url-status=dead}}
Upload
Many digital locker services enable users to upload their own content or provide synchronization software that will scan a user's computer and upload the appropriate media for them.{{cite web|last = Ingraham |first =Nathan|title=Google Play Music finally lets you upload songs through the browser|url = https://www.theverge.com/2014/3/26/5549494/google-play-music-finally-lets-you-upload-songs-through-the-browser | website =The Verge|date =26 March 2014|accessdate=29 August 2014}}
Matching
Some services like Google Play and iTunes will match songs users have to a digital signature, allowing them to skip the sometimes slow process of uploading the media file. Rather, once the song is matched, it will just be added to a user's library.{{cite web|title=Is iTunes Match right for you?|url = http://www.macworld.com/article/2099340/is-itunes-match-right-for-you.html|website=Macworld|accessdate=29 August 2014}}{{cite web|last =Evangelho|first =Jason| title= Google Play Adds Free Music Matching Feature, 320k Cloud Streaming|url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2012/12/19/google-play-adds-music-matching-feature-320k-cloud-streaming/ |website=Forbes|accessdate=29 August 2014}}
Digital rights management
Digital lockers are often used as a way of controlling access to media via digital rights management (DRM). Services such as Steam, Origin, Blizzard, Vudu, and others offer to users the convenience of a digital locker in exchange for the control of DRM.{{cite web|last1=Lawler|first1=Richard|title=DECE's 'digital locker' take-anywhere DRM dubbed UltraViolet, launches later this year|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/deces-digital-locker-take-anywhere-drm-dubbed-ultraviolet/|website=engadget|date=20 July 2010 |accessdate=29 August 2014}}
Copyright infringement
Some digital locker services such as Hotfile and MegaUpload have been accused of being large contributors towards copyright infringement.{{cite news|title=Hotfile's digital locker service targeted by Hollywood|work=BBC News|date=8 March 2012|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17300225|accessdate=29 August 2014}} The MPAA alleged that Hotfile and similar services promote copyright infringement by paying users referral fees, and thus encouraging them to upload popular copyrighted content.{{cite web|last1=Davis|first1=Wendy|title=MPAA Argues Hotfile Liable For Users' Copyright Infringement|url=http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/169581/mpaa-argues-hotfile-liable-for-users-copyright-in.html|website=MediaPost|accessdate=29 August 2014}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Software distribution}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Digital Distribution}}
Category:Video game development