IMPEL has launched Becon, a new system that lets its member publishers manage and share their copyright data with partners from one central place.
Powered by BMAT, Becon promises to usher in a new era of data networking for the independent music publishing sector.
According to IMPEL, the "first of its kind" system is designed to adapt to multiple different data exchange environments and interact with any end user.
The organisation says it is is the first example of a bespoke copyright data management system specifically tailored to the independent sector, and will result in "greater visibility, traceability and control of catalogue administration, with increasing granularity and flexibility over the digital licences that IMPEL members choose to grant".
“The future of digital licensing is going to be built on enhanced data networking, which is why we need to move beyond mere data transportation to a dynamic data-networked system that is interoperable with our licensing and operational partners, both now and in the future," said IMPEL CEO Sarah Williams. "Not only are we concerned with getting the most for our members from streaming, we need to provide new licensing opportunities within AI and other business areas where collective licensing makes sense.
"The needs of the independent sector are very diverse, so we need to respond accordingly with an a la carte approach. To achieve this, we also need to be a great partner to our licensees, making it easier for them to access the independent sector’s incredible repertoire. It’s that win-win sweet spot that we’re aiming for.”
For independent publishers, shared and networked infrastructure is going to be a gamechanger, especially in a rapidly changing environment
Michael Hatjoullis, IMPEL
Becon will also provide IMPEL members with data enrichment tools, as well as allowing them to filter and aggregate their collective copyright data "in a way that hasn’t been possible before". It also provides IMPEL with greater fungibility of its members’ collective data.
“We chose BMAT as our partner not only because they combine great tech with a deep understanding of copyright data, and the heavy lifting that it has to do within the administrative ecosystem, but because we recognised that we share an ethos," said IMPEL COO Michael Hatjoullis. "We want to create systems that allow full integration and participation from all rightsholders. For independent publishers, shared and networked infrastructure is going to be a gamechanger, especially in a rapidly changing environment.
Iñigo Ugarteburu, CEO of BMAT, added: "Partnering with IMPEL to power Becon perfectly aligns with our core mission: building seamless, cooperative infrastructure and solutions for the music industry. Moving beyond simple data transport to true copyright networking helps connect rightsholders and administrators with digital platforms with greater agility.
"By providing this collective, transparent ecosystem, we are empowering IMPEL’s members to capitalise on complex licensing opportunities. Ultimately, this technological leap drives the efficiency required to ensure creators are accurately compensated in a rapidly evolving digital landscape."
