An article published in the New York Post indicates Facebook founder and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg wants to follow in MySpace's footsteps and offer a digital music store for the number one social networking web site.

Facebook isn't interested in creating a proprietary service from the ground up, or secure licensing rights to distribute the music like MySpace has done with its MySpace Music store.  Instead, Facebook is looking to work with a third-party that already has the platform and licensing issues worked out.  

Facebook is reportedly interested in working with Rhapsody, iLike.com, Lala.com and iMeem.com as content providers for the service.  The company is now talking with several major record studios, inquiring about different business practices and to help gauge interest.

The service will be free, but users will have to view on-screen advertising.  All songs would be sold through Amazon.com.

"Facebook is a serious challenger to MySpace and they would certainly want to do anything that record labels would allow them to do with advertising-supported music," Inside Digital Media senior analyst Phil Leigh said.

Even though Facebook is interested in a digital music service, it's still possible Zuckerberg and company could just walk away from the plan altogether.  Company officials have been silent about a possible Facebook music service, but have previously stated it is something they're interested in offering.

Facebook had a streaming music service on its site last year, but was forced to remove it due to possible copyright violations.  The Audio application allowed users to upload and stream music for other Facebook users to enjoy.

MySpace is working with Sony BMG, EMI, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group for the MySpace Music service.