A Swedish company has developed what it claims is the first secure digital music distribution system in Europe, which allows consumers to purchase MP3 files over the Internet.
Similar to the system developed by GoodNoise in the United States, the Forefront technology allows music buyers to download unrestricted MP3 files which can be copied or distributed freely once paid for.
A Swedish artist-owned coalition called Swebmusic is the first group to implement the system, and is offering single tracks for about US$1. Of that, artists collect 60 percent of the profits. There is no charge for artists to upload tracks into the Forefront system, which automatically converts songs into the RealAudio streaming format so potential buyers can preview before they purchase.
Read Wired News' ongoing MP3 coverage
