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Digital music distribution just got a whole lot easier with MediaNet's open API
You've probably not heard of MediaNet but they've been around for a really long time -- 2001 to be precise. Back then they attempted to sell music through MusicNet, a service that powered the big boys (BMG, EMI, Warner). If you bought music online before iTunes, it was probably through MusicNet. For a variety of reasons though, it never really took off (blame DRM). While they were licking their wounds, Apple's iTunes picked its way to the top with very little competition.
But MediaNet is back with a new, easy-to-use interface (API) that makes the reselling and distribution of digital music really, really easy. You see, MediaNet has deals with all of the big record labels. You simply build the site, be it a lyrics repository or a social network, tack on some MediaNet extensions, and voilà! A site that sells music.
There's no barrier to entry now -- here come the start-ups! CNET are reporting that many sites are already getting in on the action. Imagine the possibilities: a news story about Lady Gaga, with links to buy her music down the side, or a blogger that wants an easy way to share a song they like with their readers. How about 'buy this song now' below every video shared on Facebook?
Where does this leave Microsoft and Apple? Both are stuck with standalone music stores. It's surprising that neither of them have moved towards the music-as-a-service angle. I doubt with iTunes' massive success that Apple will consider changing their game plan -- but I expect Microsoft might have something up their sleeve. They love their services.
[via CNET]
Comments
10
Subscribe to commentsunderdog2k4Dec 6th 2009 2:48PM
I like it. I might just reopen my music blog and see what I can do :P - Good find!
Sebastian AnthonyDec 6th 2009 2:59PM
I am working on getting it into my own blog now :)
UbernooberDec 6th 2009 3:08PM
Great article, thank you.
revolutionDec 6th 2009 3:09PM
Off topic: your screenshots are hideous. Take a look here, for gorgeous screenshots: http://bit.ly/7jW8S0
Sebastian AnthonyDec 6th 2009 4:39PM
Thanks for the tip!
DeoWulfDec 6th 2009 8:30PM
Wait, what? I was sure that was spam...
DeoWulfDec 6th 2009 4:24PM
I've seen "Buy from iTunes" and "Buy from Zune" links in music blogs before. Perhaps I'm not understanding this service, but how is it any different?
Sebastian AnthonyDec 6th 2009 4:38PM
Well it's an end-to-end service, a bit like using a company to handle credit card details -- the user doesn't see the processing however.
If you want to keep the client on your site or similar -- using an API!
DeoWulfDec 6th 2009 5:30PM
Well I didn't understand that either, but looking at some of the examples, I'm beginning to see that the user of the API has access to more musical information and capabilities than comparable services. I imagine Zune could easily mimic this system. They tend to balance Desktop-Device-Web pretty well (Zune.net is quite a robust site).
alraDec 6th 2009 6:59PM
"There's no barrier to entry now" - Unless of course you are NOT from the US. Since the MediaNet sign form has only America to tick in "your country" and same goes on the "shopping part" of MediaNet - only for US.