Dan Jackson, who is offering the software free on his web site, says he works in the UK as an independent programmer. He claims that he has released the e-book cracking software on behalf of its original creator, whom he met on-line and who wishes to remain anonymous.
According to his web site, Jackson developed an interest in the issue after he bought e-books in Microsoft Reader format for reading on his Casio E-15 pocket-PC. He discovered that he was unable to access the e-books.
This is because, he says, Microsoft only supports its Reader on devices running Pocket PC 2002. Jackson claims that he started searching the web for solutions to the problem, made contact with the author of a program for the conversion of MS Reader files and decided to make the program available to the public.
Jackson also claims that, since text-to-speech applications do not work with the Reader software, putting the files in alternative formats will help people with visual impairments.
According to his web site, his goal is "to create useful utilities that are considered too small or too niche for larger companies, with a special bent towards programmes that will enable people to exercise their fair use rights."
Jackson says that, although he does not believe that his activities are illegal, he has eliminated the program's source code from his systems as a precaution.
According to media reports, Microsoft said it is aware of the software and it is looking at "all options."
In December 2002, a US court acquitted Moscow software company ElcomSoft, accused of violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), because it distributed software designed to crack the anti-copying protections in Adobe's e-book software. It was the country's first criminal prosecution of its kind.