Digital Data Exchange Inc.

Dear All,

I have recently subscribed to the public reflector for the Media Annotations
WG. I came across the WG as a result of conversations that have been taking
place between Digital Data Exchange Inc. (DDEX) and other organisations or
groupings working on metadata creation and communication standardisation in
the digital media value chain. My company, Rightscom, is retained as the
secretariat for DDEX which develops standard XML message formats, at the
moment, principally for the digital music industry. Please see the website
at http://www.ddex.net/ which includes all the current standards at
http://www.ddex.net/documents.html. The membership of DDEX includes the
major record companies, music rights societies from North America and Europe
and digital music retailers such as Apple, Real Networks and Nokia.

The reason for reaching out to the MAWG is that a quick look at the outputs
of the group would indicate that it has not looked as DDEX as part of its
work. As issues around ³interoperability² (which I use in a very generic
sense rather than in the pure technical sense) are becoming important around
metadata creation and communication across different digital media types and
for multiple distribution networks, I felt it worth drawing DDEX to the WG¹s
attention because it is beginning to be used quite widely in the digital
music space and efforts to co-ordinate its work with similar activities in
other digital media industries indicate the need for widespread co-operation
to avoid duplication or gaps occurring in this very important area of
activity.

Perhaps the WG might discuss this issue at one of its meetings and then
contact me to discuss any thoughts about co-operation.

Regards,

Mark Isherwood 
Rightscom Limited 
Unit 209, Linton House
164-180 Union Street
London SE1 0LH, UK 
 
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7620 4433
Direct: +44 (0) 20 7620 4436
Mobile: +44 (0) 7939 256554
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7620 0760
Website: www.rightscom.com

The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and may be
privileged. It is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the
intended recipient, please inform the sender and delete this e-mail
immediately. The contents of this e-mail must not be disclosed or copied
without the sender's consent. We cannot accept any responsibility for
viruses, so please scan all attachments. The statements and opinions
expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily
reflect those of the company.

Rightscom Limited is registered in England & Wales, registered number 388
7651, registered office Unit LG1, Linton House, 164-180 Union Street,
London, SE1 0LH.--