Sony Music Selects MATERNA Communications as Software and e-/m-Commerce Partner to Boost Sales on its Artists Websites
Announcement
Dortmund, 2009-09-02
Sony Music, one of the leading music companies worldwide, has signed a partnership agreement with MATERNA Communications to boost Direct to Consumer Sales (D2C) on its label’s artist websites via a viral widget. Sony Music reports the first successful widget launches on the Britney Spears, Kings of Leon, Pink, The Priests and The Scriptwebsites with many more to follow.
Sony Music has struck an agreement with MATERNA Communications and GlobalCollect to create a unique retail offering on its labels` artist websites across the EMEA region enabling the sale of digital downloads direct to consumers (D2C).
With the help of a viral widget, a microstore software embedded into online platforms and social networking sites, Sony Music is driving traffic directly to the website of an artist to allow fans to share information and to download the artist’s repertoire. MATERNA´s e/m-Commerce Platform “MACS – Multimedia Application and Content Server” provides the software tools to create, embed and multiply the viral widget in the internet. That gives Sony Music the flexibility to propose unique bundled offerings to their artists fans in the internet.
The e-commerce offer will be expanded to include artist merchandise, concert tickets and more. The service supports a variety of localised payment methods pursuant to a co-operation with payment service provider, GlobalCollect.
Helmut an de Meulen, CEO and Founder of MATERNA Communications, said: “We are very delighted to be selected as partner of Sony Music Entertainment for their Direct to Consumer business. Our e-/m-commerce platform is touching on the core competency of MATERNA and allows Sony Music to scale up their offering and follow the growing market demand for digital media downloads. We expect significant growth in this sector over the next two years”.
Ulrich Jaerkel, Senior Vice President Digital and New Business Development EMEA & Head of D2C of Sony Music International, added: “Selling music Direct-to-Consumer will be an important part of the future business of Sony Music. We have a long term D2C strategy and found a reliable e-commerce partner in MATERNA Communications to drive this business. MATERNA demonstrated the ability to quickly adapt and implement our requirements of selling Music as MP3 (later also CDs, tickets, merchandise) in a common user experience on their e-commerce platform. Besides, MATERNA has a great team to work with!”
About MATERNA Information & Communications
MATERNA is a leading software company for information and communications technology. The company employs about 1,300 people worldwide and in 2008 achieved sales of 160 million euros. In addition to the headquarters in Dortmund, the company has offices and subsidiaries in the whole of Germany and Europe. The Communications business unit sells service platforms, premium content services, as well as voice and video applications. In addition, the subsidiary vistream GmbH has a successful market position as MVNE and is an internationally recognised provider of fixed line network services. CUSS solutions for airlines and airports are part of the portfolio too. Its ability to solve difficult and complex challenges for its customers has turned the company into a partner sought-after by network providers, service providers, businesses and agencies. The Business Unit Information supplies process and technology consulting services together with the implementation of appropriate IT solutions for companies and public administrations. MATERNA has proven specialist expertise in the areas of IT management, solutions for internet and intranet as well as specialised applications for public administrations.
Further Information:
MATERNA GmbH Information & Communications
Press and Public Relations
Antje Krämer
Voßkuhle 37
44141 Dortmund
Germany
Phone: +49 231 5599 8396
Fax: +49 231 5599 678396
Email: antje.kraemer@materna.de
www.materna-communications.com
