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UMG’s Amanda Marks accused several technology companies (“and you know who you are”) of dragging their feet in the rights management debate and that her company was not ruling out going DRM-free as they continue to test it in the marketplace. Still, sources say it won’t happen before the summer, if at all, since initial data hasn’t shown it has a whole lot of effect on the marketplace.

She admitted the record business is in transition, but offered hope to retailers: “We remain committed to you. We are here to offer you hope… You are not horse and buggy manufactures or typewriter salesmen." She said that the gap between the 99 cent single and the $9.99 album is "simply too large" and that the industry must offer a mid-priced "snack."

But Sony BMG and Warner are not even thinking about removing DRM. Sony BMG's Thomas Hesse, believes online piracy is the reason for losing money from physical sales and DRM-free tracks will make things worse.

WMG's Michael Nash, said that DRM is necessary and can help businesses and products innovation.

[via HitsDailyDouble & DigitalAudioInsider ]

Read also on HitsDailyDouble (free signup required) from NARM Conference :
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EDIT: BillBoad has very good coverage of NARM:NARM on BillBoard.biz

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