Western Europe IP-Based Music Service Provider

This study provides IDC's user and revenue forecasts for services offered by IP-based paid music service providers (MSPs) in Western Europe. The study measures take-up and spending on IP-based pay-per-download services (such as Apple's iTunes Music Store) and subscription services, assessing the industry initiatives and service innovations impacting adoption of paid online music in the region.

"The European market for online music services experienced a year of strong growth in 2005, with the number of users close to tripling," said Jason Armitage, senior research analyst, European Consumer Markets. "Pay-per-download services recorded strong take-up in 2005 and are expected to remain the most popular form of paying for music online throughout the forecast period. Looking ahead, service providers are reviewing and developing their product offerings to take into account the impact of wireless services and the increasing importance of video."