Peer-to-Peer file-sharing techniques such as those used in
Napster, allow interested potential consumers to exchange samples of music at will. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a number of musical groups in Africa have created their own "communities of interest" in Finland based on individuals
who have discovered them after someone has made recordings available via Napster or similar file-sharing programmes.
Currently the Majors are seeking to develop new technology which will prevent consumers from copying CDs or even "burning" their own CDs from digital downloaded files. Historical evidence does not suggest that they will find a
perfect technological solution to any of the business problems created by new technology.
"There is evidence that the increased availability of music in virtual form as MP3 files leads to an increased consumption of physical products such as CDs.