The University is exploring partnerships with music labels that could provide students with free access to music downloads.The endeavor is part of an effortby the University to curb illegal dowloading on grounds.
The University is not currently in a partnership with any network that would provide legal music downloads.
"We are looking into partnerships," said Mike McPherson, deputy chief information officer for the Office of Technology and Communications. "We always look at what is going on in the industry."
McPherson said the University would be interested in a partnership that would provide "a good combination of benefits."
According to James Hilton, ITC vice president and chief information officer, the extent of music piracy at the University is comparable to other schools.
Hilton added that it is impossible for ITC to know for sure whether or not services resulting from partnerships with record labels -- such as free music downloads for students -- would curb illegal downloading. Since the ITC division is just an Internet service provider, Hilton explained, the University does not examine the content of student downloads.
Hilton speculated that a partnership could curb illegal downloading because it would provide legal musical alternatives.
Hilton said different networks that would provide free music downloads have been approaching the University.
"We are ... in exploratory conversations with several different companies," Hilton said. "We'll only talk to a company if it starts to make a compelling case."
Should the University decide to pursue a partnership with a company, it would be a quick setup, Hilton said.
"If we find the convergence between a particular company's business model and our University interests, we can move very quickly," Hilton said. "So far we haven't found that compelling of a convergence but we are always looking."
Hilton cited rapid technological advancements as another reason why it is difficult to commit to one online music service.
"Given how quickly the technology markets are moving, it is hard for me to imagine entering into an exclusive relationship, which is why we are in conversations with several," Hilton said.
He emphasized that he would only enter into a partnership that would benefit the University student body, adding that there are various services that would appeal to different student populations.
"There are lots of different services," Hilton said. "And then in general the technology world is fairly interconnected."
On top of that, Hilton said it would be impossible to please the entire student body because different services appeal to different musical tastes.
"C-Digix would appeal more to an Indie crowd than Ruckus would," Hilton said.
McPherson said there are many different routes the University could take to provide its students with a free downloading music service.
"We are always looking at opportunities to see if any of them make particular sense for U.Va.," Hilton said. "We are always looking at the opportunities and if we see a place where there is a good convergence between University interest and their plan."
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