File sharing network offers legit option.
Limewire has taken the wraps off its DRM-free music store, allowing users to acquire music downloads through a legitimate paid-for channel.
The file-sharing network's LimeWire Store is widely seen as an effort to draw revenue from users more often accustomed to downloading pirate copies.
Limewire will provide a button next to each track on its P2P network, inviting initially US users to buy a legitimate version stored centrally on the LimeWire Store.
Users can also buy tracks direct from Limewire's online store at (US)99 cents each.
A monthly subscription option is available for users wishing to engage in heavier above-the-counter use of the service.
Subscriptions are available on a 'silver', 'gold' and 'platinum' basis at US$10 per month and 40 cents per track, US$15 per month and (US)30 cents per track and US$20 per month and (US)27 cents per track respectively.
The launch of Limewire Store follows similar DRM-free initiatives by We7, www.vnunet.com and www.vnunet.com.
Amazon, which currently offers DRM-free downloads to US customers, has announced plans for an www.vnunet.com, but has yet to give a launch date.