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CNET news reports that multimedia conglomerate Microsoft will be launching a music service business within the UK. Of late the company has made a few attempts at such a brand, but it looks as if they are ready to give it another go.

A company rep told CNET: “In the coming months, MSN is planning to launch a new music-streaming service in beta via its Music channel in the UK. At this stage we won’t be confirming the details behind this but more information will be available soon and will be communicated in due course.”
Through a partner, Microsoft already has a similar service in the UK – but this new application would, as CNET puts it, “be based on in-house technology acquired through its Musiwave purchase.”

In 2004, the company began an MSN download business, only to shut it down two years afterward in order to fulfill part of a settlement with RealNetworks, which required the company to put promotional support behind RealNetworks’ music service Rhapsody.
Later Microsoft partnered with MTV to launch the service Urge, only to have company interests shift to the Zune player and service.  

The new service was first reported via the Telegraph, which was told by MSN executive Peter Bale: “Music is an important area for Microsoft. We are looking at launching a music-streaming service imminently.”