BT has jumped on the music download bandwagon after signing a deal with media management software firm Blueprint to jointly develop a hosting, management and music distribution service aimed at content providers.

The service aims to allow rights holders, including artists, writers, publishers and record companies, to host their songs, videos, ring tones and other digital media files, while allowing direct commercial relationships with retailers to sell content to consumers.

Content can be delivered directly to any number of media-enabled devices, including PCs, digital audio players and mobile phones, BT said.

Under the terms of the deal Blueprint will provide the media management software, including its Open Royalty Gateway and Song Centre offerings, while BT will supply the digital content hosting platform.

Simon Orme, director of sales and business development at BT Broadcast Services, said: "Offering a central, global hosting service also avoids replicate investment in IT and storage facilities in the supply chain, and allows for more effective negotiation between retailers and rights holders."