Today,
Apple launched an affiliate program which would allow partners to earn money by linking to downloadable songs and albums provided by
iTunes. Apple are currently at the very top of the music download business and wish to keep it that way. One major advantage to Apple is they also sell hardware, so they can afford losses in download sales for some time. Companies like
Napster however don't have it so easy. Napster began their business by targeting schools and universities, offering cheap student subscriptions. However Napster has admitted this approach has failed to make any major profits.
Out of download sales, the labels would get the most money leaving companies like Apple, Napster and now
Microsoft fight over the left overs. Apple's new affiliate program may boost even more sales. A partner can earn 5% commission for clicks that turn into sales, so it will be fun to sit back and watch hundreds of sites try to earn some money from Apple.
Source:
The Register
Written by: James Delahunty @ 1 Sep 2004 19:00
