Sony, KIDDI Link Could Challenge Apple

Sony and Japan's second largest mobile carrier KDDI said Tuesday they will enable digital music to be shared between Sony portable and home music players and mobile phones on KDDI's network.

It's the kind of partnership that, if copied by others, could create a major tear in Apple's armor

Much of the power of the iTunes, iPod and now iPhone combination comes from Apple's closed ecosystem. Not only has it created an ease of use that consumers find appealing; it has also kept out competition.

But as formerly competing device manufacturers and services open their platforms, the appeal to consumers becomes undeniable. The demise of DRM is also accelerating openness and encouraging the development of outside applications that add value and color the consumer experience.

Apple would have you believe that they stand apart from the competition. But as this week's iTunes Plus price cuts attest; in the digital age no company can ignore the marketplace for long.