Amazon may be preparing to launch a digital music service to compete with Apple's iTunes - at least it seems that way according to a job listing posted on an industry blog, CNET News.com reports (via MediaBuyerPlanner). The ad, originally posted on paidcontent and since removed, sought a content acquisition manager for the company's "forthcoming digital music service."

While the company has not publicly announced such a launch, music industry executives have confirmed that the company has been discussing plans to enter the market for several months, and that discussions have included proposals for a subscription-based service.

Analysts have said that a digital music component from Amazon could take off quickly, given the reach of the company's online store, but that there is no real guarantee of success. Other brands such as Sony, Microsoft, and Yahoo, they point out, have all faced slow starts.