OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada, July 17, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Kokopelli Networks today announced the BETA release of BluFilter: Authorize, a software platform to help artists and content owners make use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks for music distribution and sale.
BluFilter: Authorize performs by means of two parts. First, the copyright owners list their material in the Web-based BluFilter database and set prices. Secondly, file-sharing network facilitators, such as KaZaA, BearShare, WinMX, Grokster and Morpheus, can plug in the BluFilter ActiveX component into their applications free of charge.
When a user or file sharer completes the download of a song, the BluFilter component extracts a digital signature of that file and cross references it with the content database to check for copyright validity. If the file is copyrighted, the user can opt to purchase it for the preset price otherwise the file is deleted. While the majority of the transaction revenue goes directly to the artist or record company, a percentage will also go to the file-sharing network.
In the case of music files, the digital signatures used during cross-referencing, are generated based on the waveforms that make a piece of music sound the way it does. Therefore, the same recording will generate the same signature every time regardless of the quality or distinctiveness of the file itself. The BluFilter component has been designed to handle elusive, file-sharing practices, which would seek to circumvent the digital signature process.
"The BluFilter platform finally gives P2P network providers the ability to effectively control the content that is shared on their network," said Alex Sauriol, Kokopelli Network's co-founder.
"Our platform really provides a win-win solution," explained Sauriol. "Content owners can receive direct payment from the end user and the transaction fees allow the P2P developers to create a significant new revenue stream in exchange for providing the network infrastructure."
BluFilter: Authorize is available for trial at www.blufilter.com.
About Kokopelli Networks:
Kokopelli Networks is a software development company that creates and markets industry solutions to fight digital property theft on peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. Other Kokopelli Networks applications track specific music downloads in real-time and generates reports.
Kokopelli is committed to using its innovative software solution, BluFilter, to enhance the peer-to-peer file-sharing experience in a manner that supports the music and entertainment industries.
For more information on Kokopelli please visit www.kokopellinetworks.com.