October 30, 2009

By By Ed Christman, N.Y.

The National Association of Recording Merchandisers has launched a Digital Think Tank, a special task force of NARM members dedicated to resolving issues surrounding the business of digital music.

"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," NARM president Jim Donio said in a statement. "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.

At today'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.

NARM's director of digital strategy and business development Bill Wilson will execute the work of the Digital Think Tank and its work groups. Members serving on the Digital Think Tank 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.

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