NARM Launches a Digital Music Think Tank

The National Association of Recording Merchandisers has launched a Digital Think Tank task force of NARM members dedicated to resolving issues surrounding the business of digital music. Members include: 7digital, Amazon.com, E1, EMI, IODA, Iris, iTunes, Microsoft, Mix & Burn, Napster, Nokia, The Orchard, Rhapsody, Rhino, Sony, Topspin, Universal, Verizon, WEA, and Wind-up.

At yesterday's kick-off meeting, the Digital Think Tank formally established working groups that will tackle three broadly defined issues identified by the NARM membership: digital supply chain and operations, metrics and data visualization, and product development.

Three Digital Think Tank Working Groups

• Digital Supply Chain - “New products and services only increase the need for better information flow between partners. Therefore, operational efficiencies are a key issue, and that's what the Digital Supply Chain & Operations Work Group will seek to address," said Bill Wilson, NARM's Director of Digital Strategy & Business Development, who will execute the work of the Digital Think Tank and its work groups.

• Metrics & Data Visualization - Content creators and retailers have also told NARM that the modern marketplace demands roid marketing and programming decisions based on timely measurement. The Metrics & Data Visualization Work Group will work to determine if there are ways to consolidate the current myriad of data sources to provide more user-friendly and rich in insights.
• The Product Development Work Group will serve as a resource and sounding board for those who identify and want to rapidly deploy new services for music fans.

“The world of the supply chain for music has become incredibly complicated," said NARM President Jim Donio. “Historically, through the work of our Operations Committee, NARM has been the instrument of change in helping identify and resolve a host of operational issues surrounding the sale and distribution of physical product. With the Digital Think Tank, we're assembling members into this new task force, and bringing our problem-solving experiences from the physical world to bear on similar issues surrounding digital music. The ultimate mission is to help make the business and consumer experience in the digital realm the best it can be."