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Technology Leaders

BMI is the acknowledged leader in developing and implementing cutting-edge tools for use in the performing rights arena.

BMI is in the top 10 percent of the most effective users of information systems in the United States. Our online capability keeps us – and our songwriters, composers and publishers – in instant touch with more than 6.5 million musical works, more than 375,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers, more than 100,000 cue sheets, and tens of thousands of establishments licensed by BMI.

This means instantaneous information on catalog, royalties and contract status. Computerization has facilitated the collection of performance data, distribution of royalty payments, management of licensing fees and automation of accounting functions. No other licensing organization can boast of such an extensive and accessible body of information.

BMI has developed cutting-edge online tools to manage accounts, copyright and affiliation.  Visit this page for more information on end-user tools.

BMI’s Technology Timeline:

1972

  • BMI installs a Univac mainframe computer (industry first); transfers song registration to mainframe database, permitting songwriters and publishers to call and get instant response to catalog inquiries.

1992

  • BMI debuts industry’s first online publisher song registration program.

1994

  • bmi.com, first music industry website, launched

1995

  • BMI signs industry’s first Internet performing rights license.
  • BMI posts entire song database (7.5 million data items, updated weekly) in a searchable format on bmi.com.

2000

  • BMI launches online song registration program for songwriters and composers. As of 2006, more than 80% of all song registrations are submitted electronically.
  • Digital Licensing Center® offers end-to-end online licensing and licensing fee-payment system for webcasters.  As of the close of 2006, almost 650 websites have been licensed through the DLC.
  • Electronic Music Reporting (EMR) system allows stations to use existing computer programs to create music-use reports that are uploaded to BMI over a secure Internet connection. As of December 2006, almost 60% of stations with EMR capability are submitting reports through the system.
  • BMI, along with partners SACEM (France), GEMA (Germany), SIAE (Italy) and SGAE (Spain), launches FastTrack, an international technical alliance dedicated to improving the speed, accuracy and efficiency of data for distribution of international royalties. FastTrack currently comprises 12 performing right societies in 11 different countries, representing the vast majority of the global musical repertoire.

2001

  • bmi.com, receiving 1 million page views per month, is named winner in the “Best Organisation” category of the prestigious Second Annual MidemNet Awards, the international competition for the best music websites.
  • BMI signs industry’s first ringtones licensing agreement with wireless entertainment company Zingy. 
  • BMI debuts online catalog and royalty statement review, allowing affiliates to access their repertoire and royalty information at the click of a mouse.

2004

  • BMI co-sponsors launch of Songwriter101.com, the first website dedicated to helping the next generation of songwriters learn the ins and outs of the business side of the creative process.  As of December, 2006, website boasts more than 25,000 members.

2005

  • BMI launches “See It Hear First™” podcasts, the first music industry podcast to be featured in the iTunes directory. Several featured groups have since landed major recording and publishing deals.
  • BMI acquires state-of-the-art digital recognition technology, named BlueArrow™, and launches Landmark Digital Services™ to develop applications for tracking music on the radio, television and digital media, including the Internet. 
  • BMI debuts industry’s first end-to-end online membership application process for new songwriters.
  • BMI licenses vast majority of mobile entertainment industry, bringing in more than $4 million in ringtone royalties.

2006

  • BMI New Media revenues exceed $16.1 million, with more than 500 new licensing agreements negotiated and signed, bringing the total number of licensed digital media properties to more than 4,100.
  • At the close of 2006, bmi.com is receiving more than 5 million page views per month, making it the most-visited website in the music industry.

2007

  • BMI launches the 10th major revision of BMI.com.  We’ve come a long way since we launched the “industry’s first” website in 1994 – BMI.com version 1.0.
  • BMI unveils online licensing, renewals and account management for General Licensing customers.
  • BMI launches the Online Affiliation version 3.

2008

  • Online Services for Major Publishers unveiled.
  • More than 90% of all musical works are registered electronically.