DDEX = Digital Data Exchange

ArsTechnica reports that a consortium of eleven companies, including EMI Music, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group; Apple Computer Inc., Microsoft Corporation, and RealNetworks, have joined together to form DDEX, short for the Digital Data Exchange.

The Digital Data Exchange ("DDEX") has been incorporated by a consortium of eleven companies:    

• To develop and maintain a robust framework of communication Standards to support the digital distribution of digital content with the initial focus on music and music-related assets;    

• To improve the efficiency of information sharing and transaction processing between participants in the music supply chain through use of Standards and    

• To promote global awareness and compliant implementation of these Standards.

The current organisations represented on the Board are the record companies, EMI Music, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group; music rights societies from the US, UK and Spain, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), The Harry Fox Agency Inc. (HFA), The MCPS-PRS Alliance Limited, Sociedad General de Autores y Editores, shortly to be joined by the French society SACEM; and the music service providers, Apple Computer Inc., Microsoft Corporation and RealNetworks Inc.