Akamai Technologies this week rolled out a new version of Akamai Media Delivery, adding DRM (Digital Rights Management) capabilities, enhanced Flash support, and new reporting tools.

Version 2.0 of Akamai Media Delivery gains support for Microsoft"s Windows Media DRM, providing Akamai customers with a single portal through which to manage audio and video content as well as license delivery. The new feature is called Akamai License Delivery for Windows Media DRM.

"It is a single environment to manage content delivery and license delivery that lets content be delivered across [multiple] devices," said Kieran Taylor, director of product management at Akamai.

Furthermore, integrated DRM capabilities help ensure media content is simultaneously monetized and protected from piracy, Taylor said.

"We are delivering the ability to [ensure] both content and licenses will be secure," he said.

Other capabilities in Akamai License Delivery for Windows Media DRM include tools for media packaging, rights management, and license clearing and delivery; the ability to associate multiple types of rights to content files; and real-time viewing of historical statistics.

Also added in Version 2.0 is support for secure Flash content streaming, designed to protect and monetize Flash-based content; and new tracking and reporting features, as well as a customer dashboard in the EdgeControl user interface portal.