November 14 will mark the date when Microsoft will disallow music downloads via the MSN Music Website. MSN Music has debuted in September 2004. Microsoft then applauded the service's core feature: content support on Windows Media compatible devices. MSN Music was originally designed as an Apple Computer's iTunes rival, but the service failed to reach a popularity level that would make it a competitor and an alternative to iTunes in the true sense of the word. In this context, it is only natural that Microsoft is shutting down MSN Music downloads.

And in doing so, the Redmond Company aims to shift the consumer focus onto two alternatives. Zune Marketplace Web and RealNetworks' Rhapsody. Users who have already purchases songs via MSN Music will continue to enjoy all the current privileges.

"After November 14, the 'Buy' buttons that you're used to seeing on MSN Music album and artist pages will change to links that connect you to Zune and to Real Rhapsody," MSN Entertainment general manager Rob Bennett said in an e-mail to MSN Music customers published by ZDNet.