Last.fm

Last.fm is a social networking company which revolves around its music recommendation engine. Recommendations are made by comparing user data to the rest of the Last.fm user community. Unlike competitor Pandora, Last.fms recommendations are not generated by matching similar musical attributes. However, its community driven engine gives it more potential to grow into media other than music. This is most likely a reason why media giant, CBS, acquired Last.fm for $280 million in May of 2007. Last.fm grew from very modest funding compared to its competitors Pandora, ilike, MyStrands and others.

Last.fm has extended its service to multiple online platforms with the Last.fm in a box application. This allows partners to offer their users free access to Last.fms streaming radio services direct from the partners Web site. Current partners include Bebo, Billboard.com, CBS Television Stations, CBS Affiliates, eMusic, Frengo, Gigya, iGoogle, and many others.