At the start of the next month Microsoft plans to debut a new music service under the MSN and (RED) umbrella brands. However, this time around the Redmond company is not gunning down for iTunes, or any rival services or products. This because (RED)WIRE is designed to save lives. In partnership with the (RED) initiative, MSN will use the money from songs being sold via the new service to pay for treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

“On December 1, World Aids Day, MSN will celebrate the launch of (RED)WIRE, (RED)'s new digital music magazine, designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Some of the greatest artists on earth have contributed amazing songs to (RED)WIRE, and MSN will broadcast a new world premiere performance every hour. Join us and sign up for (RED)WIRE,” reads an excerpt of the service's description.

Microsoft and (RED) already enjoy the support of numerous artists, including Elvis Costello, Death Cab for Cutie, Sheryl Crow, Michael Franti, R.E.M., John Legend, Coldplay, Dixie Chicks, Jay-Z, U2, Faith Hill, etc. “(RED)WIRE is a digital music magazine with one very important difference. It not only changes the way music is discovered, it provides medicine for people who need it in Africa,” the company revealed.

This is not the first project on which Microsoft and (RED) have partnered. The duo are already selling the (RED) edition of Windows Vista, also donating money to help HIV/AIDS patients in Africa. The (RED)WIRE music service on MSN will sell songs via a monthly subscription of $5 or 4£.

“Half your fee goes to buy medicine to keep people living with HIV in Africa alive. Try (RED)WIRE on us,” Microsoft stated. The company is offering the first two issues completely free, provided that end-users sign up as soon as possible.