Sony Enters the Cloud

For nearly a decade, the biggest record labels have been experiencing what often appears to be an impending doom.  Brought on by a change in consumer preferred music format (mp3 over cd) and changes in delivery mechanisms (downloading in place of retail store), Sony and its com-padres including Warner Music Group, EMI have often resisted turning to the internet based distribution system that has become the preference of music consumers.  As consumers, we are always on the go and in 2010, we are always connected.  The look of the future marketplace has become more clear in the last year, and finally companies are proactively getting involved.

On September 1, 2010, Sony announced plans to release a new cloud-based music service that will connect users PC's and other wireless devices to music and video media.  The online music store will be called Sony Music Unlimited.  Sony plans to allow consumers to stream their purchased music and video to Tv's, Play Station3, PC's and Blu-Ray devices.  Users will be able to access all their media through Sony's cloud system, eliminating the need to expand home hard-drive storage space. 

More information about the product line will be forthcoming.  Sony anticipates making the service and its many connections available by the 2010 holiday season.  The announcement of this service came on the same day that Apple announced plans to introduce a similar cloud accessing program.  It is unclear how successful the Sony product will be, as there is no information regarding whether it will sync with non-Sony devices such as cell-phones or iPods, or whether the service will offer music by bands not on a Sony label.

Consumers clearly seek connectivity and streamlined use of their devices.  Sony should succeed if their product can enable users to access music without having to purchase only Sony goods.  It is also hoped that Sony will enable consumers to access music they already own, and be able to view the collections of friends and fans of similar music.