Midem offers optimistic outlook: nifty gadgets and new business models on show, as Cannes crowd look to a mobile future.(Editorial)

Anyone who spent any time at Midem last week will know where the music industry is moving--online and onto mobiles, into a new era when music will be accessible anywhere, at any time.

Across the range of delegates, there seemed to be a real sense of optimism that there is a strong future for music. Newcomers to the industry announced new initiatives, among them Ericsson, Cable & Wireless, Nokia and many others, a sure sign that music continues to hold value for some business leaders.

Midem felt like a more constructive event than most music industry gatherings tend to be these days, full of progressive talk and optimism for the future. The occasional merger moan apart, the strongest memories for me are of the UK's first ring*ones chart, a number one album artist playing for the trade minister, news of MyCokeMusic's positive early download figures, an excellent pair of British At Midem showcases and a full to overflowing British Village stand.

There were also more intriguing, amusing little gadgets than you could shake a stick at--flashy new mobile handsets, play-back chips in CD packaging, online delivery services and much more.

Certainly, there was no talk of pirates. Indeed, there seemed little evidence of physical ...