According to the two companies, the agreement will include DualDisc, a two-sided disc that can be played either as a CD or a DVD; mobile music offerings such as ring tones; digital video distribution and downloads and multi-session audio discs.

The deal also covers the development of locked content for hard drives and storage media, which consumers can unlock by purchasing music online.

This agreement reflects our shared commitment to effectively work together in developing new business opportunities and realize the full promise of the digital age, commented Ron Wilcox, executive vice president, Sony BMG. With this arrangement in place, we can accelerate the introduction of a wide range of products and services that deliver value to consumers and build a stronger and more dynamic marketplace for our artists and their music.

Sony BMG signed a similar agreement with recording giant EMI last December to license a range of music for use as ringtones, DualDisks and other media.