According to Mr Subramaniam, the strategy for the Internet would be "three-fold." This would be building and developing artist sites, expand e-commerce and have a B2B focus. On the plans for the artist site, Mr Subramaniam said: "The site will primarily give details on the artist's background besides what they are currently working on." He elaborated that Sony Music will also acquire existing artist sites. Sony Music presently has sites devoted to its artists such as Lucky Ali, Colonial Cousins and Zubeida. "We will expand this as and when we sign up new artists" said Mr Subramaniam. Sony Music will also target new markets via the e-commerce route: combining digital downloads and buying music online. For this purpose, the company will make use of "Magicgate" its international proprietary to Sony hardware. Internationaaly, digital download has been inhibited by prohibitive pricing. Mr Subramaniam said Sony Music was still in the process of working out the pricing modalities to work out the ideal price for theIndian market.

"We will focus more on our music online strategy," he said. The facility according to him would create allow online booking of orders and create "virtual stores." According to Mr Subramaniam, this would make shopping for music possible from any part of India. As part of the strategy, Sony Music will deliver the music ordered within a three-day period. The company will offer its entire catalogue to the user. Overall, Sony Music India has a catalogue of over 2000 titles. On Sony Music's plans for B2B, Mr Subramaniam said "We will target the media, corporate sponsors and event managers."

A library stocked with images of artists besides all printed information will form the background of our B2B plans," he said. The other B2B plans on the anvil include artist endorsements with corporates. According to Mr Subramaniam, each category will be linked to a sponsor and deals will be struck. The company will also offer business deals to event managers when shows are to be conducted. Mr Subramaniam was unwilling to disclose details regarding investments and only said the site is being developed as "an ongoing process." "Our Internet plans are to generate revenue and allow the user to go through the experience of Net shopping and Net buying," he said.

Sony Music commenced operations in India in 1996 as a 100 per cent subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Inc. Worldwide. The company's major artists include Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Santana and Savage Garden. The company also owns the Columbia and Epic labels. For the Indian operations, the company handles the manufacture, marketing and distribution of its music. Its best selling albums include "Vande Matram", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Titanic" and "VengaBoys."