This is a big news, which will surely raise the popularity and purchase of Microsoft’s new product Zune portable audio player. According to the deal, Microsoft has promised a share for all UMG’s artists that are specially formatted to work with Microsoft. I cannot understand this policy as this sounds impractical that they have not disclosed any proper formulation of the process that how the share will be rewarded. I see this policy only a marketing strategy by the company to compete its rival in the field that is Apple iPod. But how is Microsoft going to make profit with such a policy when it has to sell its product at a small profit margin of 40 to 45% and still extract a good amount to pay to all those artists. I also doubt about the fact that if they pay a small amount, keeping in mind their profit to those artists, how will this small amount when distributed amongst thousands of artists benefit them. Well the only good thing I must suggest you for which you can buy Microsoft’s Zune is that unlike iTunes, with its draconian non-redownload policy, Microsoft’s Zune Marketplace will let you re-download purchased songs up to five times (plus even more if you call up tech support). Still you can think other way that Microsoft will at least help you to benefit artists to some extent.