Adobe has announced that the next version of its Content Server software will enable publishers, authors and libraries to protect encrypted eBooks with a password.

“Seemingly minor, the move is important both because of Adobe’s growing behind-the-scenes importance in the burgeoning eBook industry, but also in how it moves ahead with content protection,” writes Computerworld’s Eric Lai.

“The current Adobe Content Server 4 software lets publisher choose whether or not to encrypt their eBooks,” Lai writes. “It also lets eBook buyers choose up to 12 devices – six desktop and six handhelds, including eBook readers or smartphones – on which they can read eBooks protected by encryption.”

Click here to read the Computerworld story.