Microsoft aims to ignite careers of new artists
BetaNews | at | by Mike
Microsoft is launching a new program that will give new music artists an opportunity to get discovered by 30 million Zune, MSN, and Xbox users through a program it calls "Ignition."Participants in the offering will receive a month's worth of prominent placement on Zune Marketplace, Zune.net, MSN's entertainment Web site, and Xbox Live Marketplace. The first band to participate is UK based Maximo Park.
However, Microsoft has strict policies about what content it will use. The bands must agree to an exclusive contract with the Redmond company, and promise to provide exclusive content to Microsoft's entertainment properties.