Abstract: A method of data storage management. A server receives a data upload request from a remote client, the upload request including information identifying the data to be uploaded. The server determines that a duplicate of the data is stored at a data storage device. The server receives proof of possession information derived by the client from the data using additional information known to the server. On the basis of the received information, the server determines whether to allow the client or a user associated with the client to subsequently access the duplicate data stored at the data storage device.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, including a receiver for receiving, from a client device, a data upload request relating to a data management application, wherein a data communications connection having a first data upload speed is utilized between the client device and a data management server; a processor configured to determine whether the client device is allowed to use a second data upload speed on the basis of the received data upload request, wherein the second data upload speed is faster than the first data upload speed; and a processor configured to establish the second data upload speed for the client device, if the client device is allowed to use the second data upload speed.

Abstract: A method of data storage management. A server receives a data upload request from a remote client, the upload request including information identifying the data to be uploaded. The server determines that a duplicate of the data is stored at a data storage device. The server receives proof of possession information derived by the client from the data using additional information known to the server. On the basis of the received information, the server determines whether to allow the client or a user associated with the client to subsequently access the duplicate data stored at the data storage device.

Abstract: An approach is provided for configuring a content object. A service receives a request, from a user, to configure a content object at a device. The service then causes, at least in part, a change to a state of the content object based on the request. The content object is related to a content playlist, and a configuration of the content object is stored at a host.

Abstract: An approach is provided for customizing an embedded content object. A customizing module receives a request, from a first user, to view a content object of a second user. The method then determines whether the first user is engaged in a session with a first service, wherein the first service shares login credentials with a second service associated with the content object. From the determination, the module retrieves identity information of the first user from the second service based on the shared login credentials and selects actions or content to present in the content object based on the identity information of the first user.

Abstract: An approach is provided for sharing rendered content that includes receiving initial data that indicates a content sharing service and a subscriber to the service. An initialization message is sent to the content sharing service based on the initial data. In response, a subscriber data message that comprises a playlist that indicates content rendered by the subscriber is received. In response to receiving the subscriber data message, a device of a user is caused to indicate that content sharing with the subscriber is permitted.

Abstract: An approach is provided for mapping content, such as audio files, to associated metadata about the content. The approach includes initiating a search for local metadata associated with particular content. It is determined whether the local metadata is insufficient. A request for metadata associated with the particular content is generated, if the local metadata is insufficient. The request is sent to a metadata service to obtain result data including metadata for the particular content. A search of the result data from the metadata service is initiated based on a description of the particular content to obtain most relevant metadata of the result data.