This Window and Microsoft
Creating strategic alliances between companies or individuals enables shared goals to be achieved for mutual benefit. You don’t need to be a large organisation to gain from cooperation; sometimes big fish need smaller fish to help develop ideas and strategies. Get out there and find a partner. During the summer of 2009, Windows and ReverbNation formed a strategic alliance that enabled independent musicians and artists to give away their music for free while still being paid through sponsorship. This was a radical “win–win” business model: the sponsor, Windows , embedded advertising into the cover artwork of the downloadable MP3, and the artist received payment. Although the payment per download was lower than platforms such as iTunes or Amazon, the value in exposure and reaching a wider audience was generous compensation. Participating artists were later given the opportunity to allow their “Sponsored Song” to continue as a free download in a new arch...