Jazz Odyssey

I’ve posted often about the frustrations with interoperability, and after attending yesterday’s Real Networks event that unveiled the new Rhapsody 3.0, the issue has once again reared its ugly head.  CNET has an article on this in which they say "RealNetworks has quietly renewed its iPod technology battle with Apple Computer".  The sad truth of that quote is that ultimately, all parties know that seamless interoperability is what’s best for consumers and the tallest hurdle to the digital music business achieving critical mass.  But instead, the major players in the digital music space are waging a costly and time-consuming battle that is ultimately about control over the means of distribution.  Wait a minute….isn’t control over the means of distribution the issue for which the major labels have received so much ongoing criticism?