Google partners with Sony BMG Music Entertainment. On the surface, it is an agreement that enables the Mountain View Company to streamline Sony Music's music video collection via Google Video. But is there more to it? Mais biensur! More than meets the eye, at least. Well, on the surface, the Google and Sony BMG Music Entertainment strategic alliance will deliver ad-supported Sony music video content via Google Video.

"Google is a defining force in the ongoing development of the Internet, and we're extremely pleased to be expanding our video relationship with them," commented Thomas Hesse, President, Global Digital Business, Sony BMG Music Entertainment. "We see this agreement as an important part of our overall strategy to innovate, find new ways for our artists to connect with their fans, and develop new revenue streams. We look forward to working closely with Google as we roll out this ambitious new effort."

"Continuing to give users access to premium online content is a key strategic focus for Google," said David Eun, Google's vice president of content partnerships. "By combining our network of hundreds of thousands of advertisers, unequaled distribution via our publisher network and high quality content like Sony BMG Music Entertainment's music video library we can meet online user demand, provide advertisers a new way to communicate with their customers and give content holders a way to monetize their content while respecting important copyrights."

The strategic partnership with Sony Music extends beyond Google to the Mountain Views partners. The alliance was announced on the very same day when Google revealed a $1.65 billion stock-for-stock transaction that has marked the acquisition of YouTube. Google has not only gained a partner, but has also covered its back against potential lawsuits over copyright infringement for the video content posted on YouTube.