With everything getting very competitive in the digital music world just now, all concerned will be eager to pull this one off. Word is representatives for Apple Corps are currently in discussion with a number of digital players with a view to making The Beatles' back catalogue available to legally download for the first time. None of The Beatles' catalogue is, as yet, available via a legitimate download service, but reports suggest Apple Corps - the company owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison - is now looking for a suitable deal.
The timing of these talks is no coincidence of course. Word is Apple Corps will initially look to do an exclusive deal with one download service. With the sector about to become so competitive, but with most of the major players still well funded, now is probably the time when the best possible price can be secured for such a deal.
Apple Corps are yet to officially confirm that any such talks are taking place so it is hard to say which download services are being considered, although rumour has it Microsoft's upcoming Music Store service or Real Networks' Rhapsody are favourites. Certainly it is unlikely The Beatles would go to iTunes, given that Apple Corps are currently fighting Apple Computers over their use of the 'Apple' name in the music space.