PRESS RELEASE: Microgen Joins NARM's Digital Think Tank

24th Jun 2010 14:00

Microgen Joins NARM's Digital Think Tank LONDON and BOSTON, MA -- (MARKETWIRE) -- 06/24/10 -- Microgen (LSE: MCGN) today announced that it has joined the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM), the music business association focused on providing its members, which include leading music and entertainment organizations, with insights and education for strategic success. As part of NARM's Digital Think Tank, Microgen will join industry innovators from Amazon, Apple, Nokia, The Orchard and a host of other organizations to tackle the unique challenges facing the music and entertainment content supply chain in the digital age. Massive amounts of data are exchanged every day as millions of people download and purchase songs, tracks, ringtones, albums and video content. As this content crosses multiple platforms, companies along the digital content supply chain, from artist agencies to record labels to handset makers, need to manage and monitor payments to a multitude of stakeholders. Microgen brings to NARM a unique perspective as a software provider whose technologies help global organizations to better manage these kinds of complex processes and maintain data integrity. "Even as recently as a decade ago, few could have predicted the immense growth in channels, formats and technologies related to digital content distribution," noted NARM Vice President Bill Wilson. "This explosion in the market has raised both challenges and opportunities, which our members are keen to address. We are pleased to welcome Microgen as a member whose perspective will bring both new insights and fresh ideas to our discussions around digital content and payments management." As part of the NARM Digital Think Tank, Microgen will work with a specialized task force called the Digital Supply Chain & Operations Work Group, which will focus on the implementation of sales reporting standards, including the examination of communications standards in related technology and entertainment industries for applicable learnings, and the identification of challenges related to other digital operational concerns unrelated to standards adoption. The company's decision to join NARM follows closely on the heels of its appointment to the board of the Digital Data Exchange (DDEX), a standards organization that is working to improve information sharing efficiency for the digital music industry. NARM also is an official liaison organization to DDEX, working to facilitate and encourage adoption of that group's electronic release and sales notification standards. "NARM plays a crucial role in educating leaders in the music and entertainment industry about the trends and technologies shaping their competitive landscape," said Microgen Chief Operating Officer David Sherriff. "With the immense amount of transaction data being exchanged through digital downloads, companies need help understanding how to manage that information to their advantage. We are pleased to join NARM and look forward to working with our fellow members to solve these challenges." About Microgen Founded in 1974 and listed on the LSE (MCGN) since 1983, Microgen is an established leader in the delivery of software, solutions and consultancy services. The Group implements bespoke applications, product software solutions for the world's largest financial institutions, multi-national corporations and public sector organizations. The Group's portfolio of proven products and solutions, many of which are based on its proprietary Microgen Aptitude technology, enables the intelligent application of technology in a range of sectors including financial services, energy, asset & wealth management, commercial, transport & logistics and the public sectors. The Group has offices in Fleet and London in the UK, and international offices in the United States, South Africa, Poland, and Guernsey. For more information, please visit www.microgen.com About NARM NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers) advances the promotion, marketing, distribution and sale of music by providing members with diverse meeting and networking opportunities, information and education resources, and advocacy for their common interests. NARM is based in Marlton, New Jersey. www.narm.com. Copyright Copyright 2010 Microgen plc All Rights Reserved Microgen (R) Microgen plc Microgen Aptitude (R) Microgen Aptitude Limited Microgen Aptitude - Patent Pending (Serial No: 1686466) & U.S. Patents Pending For further information please contact: North America: Meghan Gardner Version 2.0 Communications +1 857 222 2864 [email protected] Europe and the Rest of the World: Sophie Hodgson Speed +44 20 7842 3200 [email protected] (END) Dow Jones Newswires June 24, 2010 09:00 ET (13:00 GMT)