# The Zune brand is intended to be an entirely vertically integrated end-to-end solution, not unlike the iPod / iTunes / iTunes Music Store triumvirate.
# The service and device will not be PlaysForSure compliant, meaning you will not be able to use your Zune player with Napster or Vongo, for example. This will be an entirely new system. Microsoft will continue to support and develop for their PlaysForSure initiative, but all things PlaysForSure are handled by two entirely separate division that will not have any crossover.

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Various comments from Jared:

To say that every other company does this is just plain not true, especially not in this particular market (media players). Every other media playing device (VCR, CD, DVD players, etc.) accepts the same kind of media accross various brands and manufacturers.

I’m not saying that the Microsoft DRM is THE one that everyone should use instead, just that that’s the kind of model (where companies other than yourself can license the DRM in their products) that allows for competition and avoids locking customers in to your product.

I’m not saying what Apple is doing through a “lock-in” process is right, I just think everyone would do the same if they release their own player and music store as Apple has done and now M$ will do. At least Apple is supporting what they’ve created and not start a whole new DRM scheme.