Microsoft Windows® Rights Management Services (RMS) for Windows Server 2003 is information protection technology that works with RMS-enabled applications to help safeguard digital information from unauthorized use—both online and offline, inside and outside of the firewall.

RMS augments an organization's security strategy by protecting information through persistent usage policies, which remain with the information, no matter where it goes. Organizations can use RMS to help prevent sensitive information—such as financial reports, product specifications, customer data, and confidential e-mail messages—from intentionally or accidentally getting into the wrong hands.

Windows RMS includes the server technology that handles certificates and licensing, a desktop update, and software development kits (SDKs). Combining Windows Server 2003 features, developer tools, and industry security technologies—including encryption, certificates, and authentication—RMS helps organizations create reliable information protection solutions.

Safeguard Sensitive Information.

Applications such as word processors, e-mail clients, and line-of-business applications can be RMS-enabled to help safeguard sensitive information. Information workers can choose from a variety of usage rights to define exactly how the recipient can use the information and for how long. They can define who can open, modify, print, forward and/or take other actions with the information. Organizations can create custom usage policy templates such as "Confidential - Read Only" that can be applied directly to the information.

Persistent Protection.

RMS augments existing perimeter-based security solutions, such as firewalls and access control lists (ACLs), for better information protection by locking the usage rights within the document itself, controlling how information is used even after it has been opened by intended recipients.

Flexible and Customizable Technology.

Independent software vendors and developers can RMS-enable any application or enable other servers, such as content management systems or portal servers running on Windows or other platforms, to work with RMS to help safeguard sensitive information.