Abstract This paper discusses the music recording industry and how it has been impacted by digital musicdistribution. The paper relates that the early success the music labels had against the initial music file downloading sites were short lived, and legitimate digital downloading sites have since prospered. The paper then argues that major recording labels are suffering from the decline in CD sales, not because of music pirating, but because they refuse to recognize that consumers demand digital music downloading for its convenience and portability. The paper further emphasizes that digital musicdistribution and retailing is the future of the music industry and every relevant party seems to recognize this, except the music industry itself.
Outline:
Overview
Restructuring of the music Industry
New distribution model & Itunes
Onlinedistribution variations
Conclusion
From the Paper "The music industry, in spite of its ineptitude and obstinacy over the past decade regarding digital music downloading, is finally realizing that whether it embraces downloading services such as iTunes and others, it must evolve with the digital age or face irrelevance. In order to compensate for the loss of revenues, the recording music industry has been examining their base revenues in order to determine if digital downloads can compensate completely for the decline in sales of CDs. Two of the major record labels, Sony and BMG, have even merged in order to expand their catalogues (Recording, 2007). There have been efforts made to encourage EMI to merge with one of the remaining three major record labels but thus far these remaining major record labels have resisted further consolidation. However, EMI undertook its own internal restructuring by merging its two main record labels in the US market during the first half of 2007 and Warner Music was sold during 2004 creating even more churn in the industry (Recording, 2007). Yet, perhaps the most visible change is the industry is the downsizing or disappearance of retail music stores, which has begun to accelerate."
Abstract This paper discusses the onlinedistribution of music and how it is part of the larger, global music industry. It analyzes the aims and success of the global music recording industry (MRI) and discusses the six segments into which the MRI is primarily structured. The paper then discusses the new competitors in the MRI industry and how they relate to consumer expectations.
Table of Contents:
Industry Overview
The Apple Influence on Expectations
Technology Convergence
Conclusion
From the Paper "Myspace.com and others are revolutionizing the MRI by creating a substitute industry that if not properly compensated for by traditional MRI participants could eventually supplant them. Consumer expectations have crystallized around the concept of total access across formats to their music and musical tastes and the future of the MRI, due to the online distribution of music and the evolving expectations of the consumer, rests with its ability to agree on a universally accepted electronic format for its music files."
This paper explains that the rise of peer-to-peer (p2p) digital technologies has led to a fundamental transformation in how the audience of popular music regards music as property.
Abstract This paper relates that, while property rights in the music industry remain based upon rigid copyright laws, which give the copyright holder protection against any unlicensed copying or use of a music property, digital media has permitted widespread disregard for this law. The author points out that, even though there remains an opposing view by some people in the music industry that peer-to-peer (p2p) networks exchanging music amounts to theft of their property, a transformation in the understanding of property rights and music is underway on a global scale. The paper concludes that, as the phenomena of mashes and sampling indicate, artists and audiences have come to see digital music as a new medium for creative growth, which promises substantial changes in our popular music in the future.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Copyright Law and the Question of Ownership
Peer-to-Peer Technologies and Music Exchange
Audiences and Music Property
Conclusion
From the Paper "It must be noted that even this limited copying capability was the result of fierce renegotiations between Apple and the leading recording industry companies who were unhappy about the one fixed price business model, as well as Apple's limited support for the audience's right to copy music. However, this right was based upon a key limitation on copyright known as "fair use" in the United States, and "fair dealing" in Canada. Under "fair use", for example, it is possible to not only use a copyrighted work without the copyright holder's approval but even to do so over the owner's express objection."
Abstract An examination of the effect that free internet downloadable music has had on record companies. The paper also addresses legislation and moral aspects about this phenomena and how it can be controlled. The paper shows that despite the controversy over the music piracy that the MP3 format allows and the fact that onlinemusic sharing may be illegal, MP3's stimulate record sales.
From the Paper "Through the arrival of the MP3 audio compression format, it became painless for internet users who wanted free music to get free music. MP3 opened a gate to a path that led to the widespread illegal replication of copyrighted music. There is a debate over how the effects of pirated MP3 music have affected the recording industry. Record companies stress that MP3's have caused record sales to plummet while MP3 enthusiasts and various musicians pronounce that MP3's assist the music industry. Despite the controversy over the music piracy that the MP3 format ensues and the fact that online music sharing may be illegal, MP3's stimulate record sales."
Tags: artists, industry, mp3, recording, music, sales, record
Abstract This report looks into data regarding downloading of free music on the Internet in the business setting of musicdistribution and music retailing. The report also looks at perspectives from the government and recording industry, as well as legal cases that have sprung up around this issue, focusing on principles of copyright law. The report presents both sides of the issue and pays attention to how the issue of downloading music for free over the Internet has affected internal and external business environments in terms of the ability to adapt to change, as well as the ability to control pricing.
Statement of Purpose
Setting of Problem
History of Problem
Scope of Project
Importance of Project
Definition of Terms
Review of Literature
From the Paper "The problem originated in copyright law. There have been many technological innovations over time that have changed communication and distribution, and have also changed industries associated with communication and distribution. The music retailing industry as well as the recording industry should be familiar with change, since these
industries have gone through many different media over history: the vinyl record, the 8-track cassette, the audio cassette, and the compact disc are a few innovations that have kept the industry in a position to react to change as well as controlling change. This is mainly because in this history of technological development, music retailers and recorders have had the luxury of price control. There have been some bands over time who have tried to fight the establishment and sell their CDs without markup for between eight and ten dollars, but despite these few aberrations, the industry remained firmly in control of pricing throughout most of the twentieth century."
A discussion on the migration of distribution system from traditional channels of distribution (special agents) to internet-based service for Windowsill Protectors.
Abstract This paper is a case study of a migration project involving the introduction of a new channel of business to Home Accessories International, a provider of accessories to the home. The paper specifically focuses on a windowsill protector product line. The new channel is onlinedistribution of this product (e-tailing).
Table of Contents:
Project Overview
Management Summary
Introduction
Migration Issues
Impact of E-tailing on Relationship with Existing Network of Specialised Distributors
Maintaining Existing Customer Loyalty to the HAI Brand Despite the Changing Channel of Distribution Researching Legal Issues of Internet Based Distribution in an International Setting
Costs and Delivery Time-frame
Periodic Updates for Senior Management and Other Stakeholders
Conclusion
Appendix A
From the Paper "Home Accessories International (HAI) is a provider of various accessories to the home. Traditionally distribution of goods has been performed via a network of specialised distributors across Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. Senior management has recently decided to migrate an existing product line, windowsill protectors, to an online distribution system (e-tailing) in order to reduce the costs involved in relying on agents to market the goods to retail customers. This will be a test case which will be closely observed by other divisions of HAI. If successful, implementation will be extended throughout the company. E-tailing is unlikely to attract new customers in the first instance and this is not the aim of the project. Management will be satisfied to maintain the existing customer base during the first year of online operation."
Tags: accessories, commerce, distribution, e, implementation, legislation, product, quality, tailing
Abstract This paper presents a detailed business and marketing plan for a new start-up in the music world. The paper shows how the company hopes to fill the void left by Napster and other companies which offered MP3 technology - the ability to download music digitally and listen to it on your PC. Point examined in the paper are the background and scope of the market, the mission statement of the company, SWOT analysis, competition analysis, media and advertising, distribution and pricing strategies.
From the Paper "Stromner Music Inc. is a new business start-up developed from a demand created by the recent introduction of MP3s and the issues of piracy and copyright violations involved in the Music Industry vs. Napster Case. MP3 is a technology that allows people to download music in digital format and listen to it on their PC. Songs, books and video clips can be uploaded onto the net and millions of people can download them for free. This new technology has created a controversy over copyrights and the issue of piracy of shared CDs. Stromner Music, Inc. will offer a solution to the this controversy by offering a service to which people subscribe and pay for downloading an MP3, which will then be able to be converted into a CD using a CD burner. The producers and artists will receive their royalties from this service, just as if they were buying CDs from a local music store."
Abstract This paper is a case study involving the introduction of a new channel of business to Gripping Stuff Entertainment. The case study introduces onlinedistribution of the product while maintaining the loyalty of the existing customer base and then increasing its size through implementation of a loyalty scheme.
Table of Contents:
Project Overview
Management Summary
Introduction
Migration Issues
Encouraging Customers to Utilise Internet Rentals Over Traditional Rentals From a Physical Store
Increase Existing Customer Loyalty to the GSE Brand Despite the Changing Channel of Distribution Grow the Core of the Business by Increasing Market Penetration/Customer Base
Costs and Delivery Time-Frame
Periodic Updates for Senior Management and Other Stakeholders
Conclusion
Appendix A
From the Paper "Gripping Stuff Entertainment (GSE) is an entertainment service provider specialising in movie rentals. Traditionally distribution of videos and DVDs was accomplished via the GSE stores from which they were rented. Senior management has recently decided to migrate from the traditional distribution system to an online version in order to reduce costs resulting from physical storefront rentals and maintenance and also in order expand the customer base. A very real risk is that existing customers will be drawn over to competing home entertainment providers while GSE implements this migration. In order to mitigate this risk and also to increase general customer loyalty to the GSE brand, a loyalty programme will be launched and integrated with the new internet distribution channel. Offering loyalty incentives to those customers who choose to utilise the internet mode of distribution will increase internet sales penetration of the market while increasing overall loyalty to GSE."
Abstract The paper discusses how the music industry claims free music downloading has had a drastic impact on the careers of almost everyone involved in the creation, production and distribution of music. The paper argues that music piracy is in fact the best thing that has happened to the music industry since although it decreases CD sales, it increases musicians' exposure and saves the industry money that would otherwise be used on pointless promotions. The paper points out that Apple relies on free music downloading by society's youth in order to manufacture and sell devices that can hold an enormous amount of songs. The paper firmly believes that it is time the industry realizes they are benefiting from free music downloading instead of focusing on the negative aspects of this long battled debate.
From the Paper "In today's world, digital technology is constantly advancing allowing complex tasks to be completed by a simple click of a button. Shopping for a TV, a new video game, or any other item online requires the consumer's patience while the item is being shipped to its destination. Products sold through the Internet are not restricted to concrete items anymore. Due to advancements in computer hard drive space, music tracks and movies are being sold online, eliminating the trip to movie or record stores. According to Brian H. Murray in his book "Defending the Brand", the Internet has made an evolutionary change in business by allowing the consumer to purchase goods easier than ever before; however, " the explosive growth of internet users has spawned an equally explosive growth of internet abusers" (111)."
Abstract This paper contends that in today's hyper-competitive music industry, the pricing strategies implemented, for CDs, by music manufacturers are crucial to their success. It explains that the threats from the plethora of music labels now producing music, as well as substitutes to CD purchase, such as online downloads, are significant. The paper focuses on the implementation of a variety of tactics to ensure their success in the industry like,product bundling to segmented pricing. The author claims that a sound pricing strategy in the CD industry not only gains competitive advantage, but can also place a company in a leadership position.
From the Paper "In today's hyper-competitive music industry, the pricing strategies implemented, for CDs, by music manufacturers are crucial to their success. Threats from the plethora of music labels now producing music, as well as substitutes to CD purchase, such as online downloads, are significant. As such, organizations have implemented a variety of tactics to ensure their success. From product bundling to segmented pricing, a sound pricing strategy in the CD industry not only gains competitive advantage, but can also place a company in a leadership position. Pricing Strategies Overview: Pricing strategies occur as one facet of a product's marketing strategy. Different pricing strategies are often employed, despite the marketing of very similar products, due to the unique targeted customer demographics, for the product. These generic strategies include: skim pricing, penetration pricing, and neutral pricing. Skim pricing produces high margins and low sales volume for products ..."
Abstract This paper looks at the impact of the internet on businesses, specifically the music industry, and the benefits of systems and technologies that can be implemented to counteract the negative effects of the web on one's business.
From the paper:
"That is why the record industry launched the Secure Digital Music Initiative. This was supported by both record companies and hardware manufacturers, in December 1998, with a promise to have agreed on technical specifications by June last year. SDMI participants include music content, consumer electronics, information technology, and wireless telecommunication companies. SDMI's work is based on the core principles that copyrights should be respected, but that those who wish to use unprotected formats should be able to do so. (Teller, 2000) The specification developed by SDMI will answer consumer demand for convenient accessibility to quality digital music, enable copyright protection for artists' work, and therefore enable technology and music companies to build successful businesses."
Abstract This paper considers three different aspects of the technology and political marketplace that have negatively affected Latin American music sales and, in particular, the effect that pirated music is having on the industry. The paper then looks at the future of Latin American popular music and the Latin American recording industry and presents solutions and recommendations to rebuild, improve, and expand the Latin American industry.
The Future of Latin American Popular Music The Future of The Latin American Recording Industry
Reconstructing the Industry
Music Delivery
Anti Piracy Efforts
From the Paper "However, in the music industry, the creation of the internet and the capabilities to deliver individual songs digitally and globally has changed that perspective as well. The creation of a global economy and improved communication systems has facilitated the worldwide dissemination of mass culture. Specifically, trends in Latin America are now becoming part of the Latino population in the central and North American regions. Hence, the market for Latin American music, and the path toward improving the profitability of the Latin American music industry should also consider the North American markets a part of their potential customer base."
Abstract This paper makes recommendations regarding Napster's business model. The author discusses the Issue of copyright laws. The paper examines the sharing music as MP3 files.
From the Paper "Napster is an online music service that was originally a file sharing service. Napster made a major impact on the Internet in calendar year when it reached the height of its popularity. The company has a remarkable history. In early ..., Shawn Fanning began to develop an idea of sharing music formatted as MP3 files. He thought of the idea of using a search engine dedicated to finding MP3 files combined with the tools needed to trade files called file sharing. The trick was to share ..."
Tags: Napster, file sharing, peer to peer, online, internet, RIAA, legal case
Abstract This paper is a personal research project about online banking in the United Kingdom. It describes its history, how it works, security issues and its advantages and it introduces online banking facilities. It provides an appendix summarizing the services of each of the main British banks.
Table of Contents
What is online banking?
How online banking works
The security of online banking
The advantages of online banking
The disadvantages of online banking
Prediction of the prospects of online banking.
From the Paper "The online banking will be a step to a new stage in the future. By that time, the banks will definitely offering more attractive services online and the competition of online banking will be complicated because more banks will have online banking services. Another progression is the development of wireless banking such as Digital TV and Mobile banking or so called WAP (Wireless Application Protocol). Nowadays, mobile phones are used everywhere, and many leading telecom companies and software companies have joined the WAP forum. Such as Nokia, Ericsson and Motorola."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth analysis of online company "E*Trade", covering topics such as: recent strategic acquisitions / alliances, average customer characteristics, 1998 market share for retail brokerage accounts, market share of online equity trades, cost structure of brokers, comparison of products and services offered by the leading online brokerages, SWOT Analysis Matrix.
From the Paper "Founded as a service bureau in 1982 by Bill Porter, a physicist and E*Trade provided online quote and trading services to Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Quick and Reilly. This led Bill Porter to wonder why individual investors had to pay a broker hundreds of dollars for stock transactions. With incredible foresight, he saw the solution at hand. He envisioned that someday everyone would own computers and invest through them with unprecedented efficiency and control. It would take years for the investment world to catch up with Bill's vision. In 1992, E*Trade Securities, Inc., one of the original all-electronic brokerages, was born and began offering online investing services through America Online and CompuServe. With the launch of the Palo Alto, California based www.etrade.com company in 1996, demand for E*Trade services exploded."
