A small step for Sony BMG, but a giant leap for the industry? It seems that finally legalized sharing of audio content is being offered by a major record label. Sony and Playlouder MSP have made a deal about a subscription paid service which allows not just downloading but also free sharing of content among members. The service utilizes AudibleMagic DRM (Digital Rights Management) scheme.

Sony BMG's Clive Rich recognised that the Playlouder service had tried to keep some of the features that have continued to attract file-sharers since the early illegitimate days of Napster.

"It retains the sense of community and spontaneity which makes P2P and super distribution so attractive to consumers, whilst ensuring that this activity takes place within a framework in which the music can be tracked and rights owners get paid" he said.