We were working on the new commercial services in both client and server components. So perhaps the most interesting aspect was the general tension between tho

We were working on the new commercial services in both client and server components. So perhaps the most interesting aspect was the general tension between those who felt strongly about the original intent and purpose of the service, and those who felt that it needed a commercial function that would appease the music industry rights holders. That said, I met many great engineers there , many who have gone on to their own fame and fortune. From a technical perspective it was quite enlightening also. I had never even heard of non-blocking io before I worked on that stuff. The scale was nothing I had ever seen before. Largely taken for granted today. Most of what we understand and experience today about consumption of music was really determined by what happened there both from legal and technical perspectives.