However, it is not clear yet what the right business model is going to be. Companies continue to explore various business models and partner different companies online to leverage the Internet as a two-way medium. For example, assuming that music swapping on the Net is the way to go, recording companies could accommodate this in their business model and explore ways to enable this while still protecting their own interests and safeguarding their content. The way music is distributed is also expected to change. Assuming the Internet becomes an official medium for distributing music and that secure music formats become established, a 'super' distribution of music content would be possible.
Customers can download music samples and also purchase music if they decide to.
For example, a digital jukebox hard disk could hold thousands of locked songs which consumers 'unlock' when they decide to buy. With digital audio and broadband access, it would even become possible for customers in the near future to visit a kiosk, pay and compile their own customised music according to their preference. By Kevin Shepherdson is a senior manager in the corporate marketing department, Creative Technology. The opinions expressed here are his own. 2000 SPH AsiaOne Ltd. All rights reserved.