A rendering method, system and software for use in a distributed system for managing use and rendering of content in accordance with usage rights associated therewith, and including a rendering device that renders the content; and a distributed repository coupled to the rendering device and including a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation receives content from another distributed repository and enforces usage rights associated with the content and permits the rendering device to render the content in accordance with a manner of use specified by the usage rights. The second mode of operation requests the rendering of content received from another distributed repository. The distributed repository permits the content to be rendered only if a manner of use specified in the request corresponds to a manner of use specified in the usage rights.