How many DPIDs Do I need?

Purpose of DPIDs

In order to use any DDEX standard, a company needs to have taken out an implementation licence. The licence is free (as in free beer) and can be applied for on the DPID system. In reply, typically within a few seconds, companies are issued with a DDEX Party ID (DPID). These IDs are issued in by the DDEX Secretariat in accordance with the DDEX Party ID Standard.

Each DDEX message sent contains a MessageHeader element which, in turn identifies who sent the message (MessageSender) and to whom the message was sent (MessageRecipient). The MessageHeader element can also be used to identify if a message was sent by the MessageSender on behalf of a third party (SentOnBehalfOf). This information allows the MessageRecipient's IT system to autonomously determine whether - and how - to process the message.

One Company One DPID

In most circumstances each company in the music industry supply chain only needs one DPID.

This also applies to cases where a company operates different business models as the combination of DPID of the Partner and information of the product type (e.g. Releases being available as Pay-As-You-Go Downloads or as a Ringtone) will be sufficient to determine how to process the information. 

Cases for Assigning multiple DPIDs to a Company

There are, however, a few reasons for a single company requiring multiple DPIDs. These include:

  • If different business units operate independent supply chains;

  • If a company serves multiple clients, then the company may require a DPID for each of its clients (examples include aggregators who provide services to many, typically small, labels to allow them access to the market);

  • Id a company operates several distribution channels (examples include companies that provide "white label" services).

To apply to additional DPIDs, please go to the the DPID system. But please note you do need to have been assigned a DPID to apply for an additional DPID.

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