Apple Recruits iTunes for Windows Developers

Apple has begun taking the first steps to build a Windows version of iTunes, a move that CEO Steve Jobs hinted at during Monday's launch of the iTunes Music Store. Jobs said Apple would bring the music download service to Windows by the end of the year, but did not disclose whether the company would develop the necessary software in house.

However, a recent job posting on Monster.com reveals that Apple is indeed seeking developers to create iTunes for Windows.

"Apple Computer is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to design and build one of our newest Consumer Applications, iTunes for Windows," the job posting reads. The developer must "possess strong skills in the areas of application design, solid API design principles, user interface engineering, and have a strong understanding of customer and workflow issues."

A Windows release of Apple's iTunes music management software could send shockwaves throughout the highly competitive digital media market.

iTunes for Windows will likely mean an end to Apple's partnership with MusicMatch, which currently provides its software for the Windows iPod. Apple will also have little incentive to license its iPod SDK to any other Windows developers, forcing iPod owners to use iTunes.

Most importantly for Apple, iTunes for Windows will greatly expand the reach of its iTunes Music Store and allow the company to compete directly with MusicNet, Pressplay and Rhapsody.

But the competition is not yet running scared. "If it's anything like QuickTime for Windows," an industry source told BetaNews, "then it's not that big of a threat."