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The likes of EMI Music, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and music rights societies from the US, UK and Spain represent the music industry, while Apple, Microsoft and RealNetworks represent the data services side of the equation when it comes to delivering digital music.

The aim of DDEX is to 'develop and encourage the adoption of voluntary standards to improve the current exchange of data between companies operating in the digital music business'.

It's a tall order - given the multiple

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conflicting interests of the various parties - but the intention is to make the flow of information along the music supply chain more efficient, in terms of data sharing and transaction processing. Effectively, all that goes on 'under the covers' for an end-user to easily purchase a track electronically.

Specifically, DDEX intends to improve the process of identifying rights owners, exchanging data between companies, reporting sales data and distributing royalties.

'By working together and developing voluntary technical standards, we can harmonize and streamline the exchange of information relating to digital music,' said the newly appointed chair of DDEX, Chris Amenita of ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). 'That's great news for all participants across the whole value chain - from artists and writers through to the consumer.'

More information can be found at www.digitaldataexchange.com

The first meeting of DDEX - a Technical Workshop in Santa Monica - is scheduled for 23 May.