IBM and Liquid Audio Announce Technology Agreement
Liquid Audio Plans to Integrate IBM's EMMS into Next Generation Liquid Player Software
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2002) - IBM® and Liquid Audio Inc. (Nasdaq: LQID), a leading provider of software and services for the online delivery of music, today announced they have entered into an agreement to integrate IBM's Electronic Media Management System (EMMS) Digital Rights Management technology into Liquid Audio's upcoming v7.0 Liquid Player software.
This agreement builds on Liquid Audio's commitment to support leading digital media technologies in its format-neutral solution and is one of the first technology licensing agreements to take advantage of IBM's new Digital Media Factory framework.
"Today there are two leading formats record labels use to securely distribute their content in Japan, Liquid and EMMS," said Gerry Kearby, chief executive officer of Liquid Audio, Inc. "This relationship will give content owners the flexibility and security they require for digital distribution, while continuing to make it easier for consumers to access all their favorite digital music from one player."
"IBM has a new business unit to address digital media opportunities, and this agreement demonstrates our efforts to develop an inclusive, standards-based platform for content distribution that encourages industry acceptance and growth, worldwide," said Scott Burnett, director of Marketing, IBM Digital Media Group. "Teaming with Liquid Audio, who has an established reputation and presence in the digital music marketplace, is an important step for IBM and demonstrates the growing acceptance of EMMS around the world."
The Electronic Music Management System
EMMS is a comprehensive electronic media distribution and digital rights management system designed to support a broad range of media types, beginning first with music and audio content. EMMS has an open architecture and offers a rich set of security and rights management features designed to protect the intellectual property rights of artists and record labels. EMMS has been designed to allow technology advances in music compression, encryption, formatting, watermarking, and end-user devices and applications to be integrated. EMMS is part of IBM's broad-based digital media management portfolio, which offers comprehensive, enterprise-wide solutions for creating, managing, storing and distributing digital assets.
Liquid Audio Digital Music Solutions
The Liquid Music Distribution System, which serves as the backbone for Liquid Audio's global distribution network, integrates Liquid Audio's digital music authoring, asset management, hosting, DRM, clearinghouse, distribution and reporting services with 3rd-party codecs, DRMs and clearinghouses such as Sony, Microsoft, mp3 and, now, IBM's EMMS.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM is helping media and entertainment companies worldwide take advantage of the business opportunities made possible by digital technology. IBM offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, networking and service offerings that is transforming the traditional creative and business processes of media and entertainment companies and positioning them to leverage their intellectual assets into new commercial opportunities. For more information on IBM strategy for the media and entertainment industry, contact www.ibm.com/solutions/media.
About Liquid Audio, Inc.
Liquid Audio, Inc. is a leading provider of software, infrastructure and services for the secure digital delivery of media over the Internet. The Liquid Audio solution gives content owners, Web sites and companies the ability to publish, syndicate and securely sell digital media online with copy protection and copyright management. Using the Liquid™ Player software, available for free download at www.liquidaudio.com, consumers can preview and purchase downloadable music from hundreds of affiliate Web sites in the Liquid Music Network™.
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