We are still in the middle of a technological battle - as soon as the major labels will enter the Internet and the market of digital music distribution the situation is again at stake. By the end of this year, additional to several improved formats the Secure Digital Music Initiative's format will be published and noone can predict what the outcome will be in one or in five years.

Further research has to take into account the technological situation and the increasing involvement of Internet in our daily life. It could focus on the implications for local music scenes, processes in the music business, different handling of copyright and licensing problems, social and political impacts.