SonyConnect
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Sony pulls the plug on Connect, refocuses on PlayStation
After a lengthy, albeit fledgling stay in the digital music distribution biz, Sony has reportedly decided to cut its losses and disconnect the Connect service. We'd already seen the service get shuffled around in an effort to strengthen the division, but it seems like it has finally succumbed to the competition. According to reports from an internal meeting, some 20-plus employees were told that their jobs were being "phased out" as the Connect resources were being shifted to handle the needs of the PlayStation group. Interestingly, it was noted that the eBooks segment would still remain alive and well to service the Sony Reader demands, but Steve Banfield, the head of the Sony Connect division, would be "leaving within the next few weeks." Farewell Connect, it seems we all barely knew you.
Why Sony Connect failed
Cnet has a great article up detailing how Sony's Connect (their answer to iTunes) failed so miserably. Sony, by all rights, should have the position in digital music that Apple has, but a series of missteps ensured that Sony would be... well not so successful.They tried, they really did. They hired a former Apple employee, they wanted to use the Walkman brand, but it never worked out. Read the gory details, if you dare.
