“When Apple launched its online music store in the US on 28 April 2003, few could have predicted the impact it would have. Apple’s approach was different [than its predecessors] – it persuaded all of the major record labels to offer songs on its iTunes service,” Darren Waters reports for BBC News. “More than 700,000 songs are available in its online library, with more than 100,000 new tracks from independent artists and record labels.”
“It is not known how exactly Apple persuaded the big record labels to throw in their lot with iTunes. Labels were still paranoid about online music, fearing that even legitimate services would lead to an increase in piracy. The brand value of the iPod, combined with the reputation for innovation enjoyed by Apple and a 99 cents price point proved an irresistible mix – the company’s tech-savvy users took to iTunes immediately,’ Waters reports.
Full article here.
With today’s announcements it’s Game, Set, Match…
“iTunes proved so successful that Apple was forced to widen the market – offering iTunes and iPods to PC users, dramatically increasing the numbers of potential customers”
Forced?
I am waiting for cries of a monopoly of online music from the competitors
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1st post
or 3rd post lol, I apparently type to slow
What a shame, it fell short of its target of 100 million, only selling 70 million songs. I’d hardly call that a failure.
Oh well, can’t wait to see Micro$oft’s answer
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Has anyone who has claimed first post in the last three weeks actually had it?
Sorry, should have put a
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What do they mean [I]It is not known how exactly Apple persuaded the big record labels to throw in their lot with iTunes[/I].
I know the story, Steve sat down in a room with some Warner Music types over several sessions and hacked out a viable compromise on costs and rights and – once he had their agreement – he then went on a charm offensive with the other four majors.
If I know this story – cos I read it on a website in an interview with said Warner Music big cheese – how come the Beeb doesn’t?
MCCFR: You know it because you READ it. The BBC are writers – reading skills are of questionable value to them.
I calaim 10th post.
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Retards! what’s the issue on typing first post if most of the time it isn’t!??
Get a damn life! or a woman!
Why do people care so much about what poster they are?
Man get a freakin’ girlfriend ….
Jimi Thing
With Technology, it is never game,set,match and luckily Apple knows this.
“Forced?” – Joe McConnel
Yupe. Seeking profit does force companies to do things.
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