Universal begins DRM experiment

Universal, the record label that represents artists such as Stevie Wonder Cash and Sting, has announced it will provide some of its music free of copyright protection measures.

Thousands of albums and tracks will be available in MP3 format without DRM protection for a limited time, Universal announced on Friday.

"Universal Music Group is committed to exploring new ways to expand the availability of our artists’ music online, while offering consumers the most choice in how and where they purchase and enjoy our music," said Doug Morris, chairman and chief executive Officer of UMG.

Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology has proved unpopular with consumers worldwide though record labels have traditionally regarded it as a necessary measure to prevent music piracy.

One of the major record labels, EMI, has already started to provide some tracks free of DRM technology, through iTunes and other stores.

Mark Mulligan of analyst firm Jupiter Research welcomed the news.

"The record industry is going through a rapid phase of change, so quick that it reveals major fault lines within the management of the major [record labels]. But the good news is that the voices of reason are apparently being heard," said Mulligan.

The DRM-free tracks will be available through Google, Amazon and Wal-Mart, but not at Apple's popular iTunes store.

Another analyst, Michael Gartenberg, also of Jupiter Reseach, hailed the impact the move would have on iTunes' competitors.

"Good news for other music stores that finally have some differentiated content that plays on iPods that Apple doesn't have. The question is will Apple customers go through a little more effort to get their content in DRM-free format and start dealing with other music vendors?" he asked.

www.umusic.com

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