Record industry wakes up wants a piece of the apple

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Industry sources and analysts said other competitors are also keen to launch download services before Apple introduces its promised Windows version of iTunes later this year.

Analysts expect Apple to launch that expanded service by Thanksgiving to spur holiday sales of its popular iPod digital music player. The current version of iTunes is restricted to Mac users, about 3 percent of the overall computer market.

“I think Apple definitely struck a chord and one has to assume the success of Apple is not going to be left standing alone,” said Mike McGuire, analyst with GartnerG2.

Analysts say Amazon.Com Inc., the online bookseller, might collaborate with Apple, while Microsoft Corp is well-positioned to step in if it chooses because it has been working with all five major music labels for years developing online offerings and because it provides Web access to millions of users.

“We fully intend to have a digital music offering when we feel that we have a great customer experience,” said Kristin Schaefer, a spokeswoman for Amazon.

Microsoft declined comment.