IBM, 5 Music Firms Complete Download Test

IBM and the world’s five largest record companies completed a six-month electronic music distribution test, successfully executing about 4,000 downloads to computer users in San Diego and Portland, Maine.

The trial, which was conducted using IBM’s Electronic Music Management System, allowed customers to download recordings and album artwork at home in about 15 minutes through high-speed cable lines.

Music company sources say the test appears to validate some piracy-proof security features of IBM’s technology.

Data gathered from the test, however, indicate that consumers believe downloaded albums should cost significantly less than CDs sold in brick-and-mortar record outlets.