The popularity of iTunes will not take a hit from the rising interest in free music service Spotify, according to a digital media expert.

Jonathan Shingler, a research analyst with GfK Technology, explained that Spotify will likely remain a little way off becoming a viable alternative to iTunes' dominance.

He explained that "due to the lack of robust mobile internet access, premium music users preferring to own their music and iTunes being far advanced in other services it provides," Spotify will still take a back seat to the established Apple media player.

However, in terms of the streaming market alone, Spotify could continue to rise in power, with Mr Shingler explaining that Spotify provides a "unique take" on streaming that lets you access the song, unlike iTunes which only provides 30 second clips or podcasts, restricting flexibility.

It follows data from GfK NOP which discovered that 60 per cent of music users, including those in small businesses in IT, stream music directly from the internet.

According to a recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent).