MSN Music expands reach to give iTunes a serious challenge

Eight more European countries got access to Microsoft’s MSN Music Store today. This comes in wake of Apple’s similar move to provide iTunes access to more European countries. With this move MSN Music store is accessible in 17 countries. iTunes on the other hand is in around 13 countries at the moment.

Microsoft predicts with reach in larger territories compared to iTunes, it would be easier for them to overtake Apple’s music store in the number of songs sold. They also confirmed that the music store has already started to generate profits and they are pretty happy with the performance.

Although iTunes has proved that people are happy buying music online and getting them uploaded to their micro sized gizmos. However, it would take some time before it starts challenging CDs and Cassettes in the market. And of course, the online file sharing services continue to hamper the market growth. Apple’s success with their music store is largely based on the popularity of their music player iPod, which in returns help them sell more music online. Microsoft on the other hand is promoting PlayForSure concept where the music sold is compliant with lots of music playing devices.