Today, Apple launched its beta version of iTunes Match, a service which stores one’s total music library in iCloud enabling them to begin using the forthcoming iTunes Match service in advance of its launch.

The service is part of the release of iTunes 10.5 beta 6.1. iTunes Match examines a user’s music and locates the copies of those songs in iCloud, despite of whether those songs were acquired through iTunes, then that music can be played or streamed through iTunes. You can then play those songs on any device like Apple TV, iPod Touch, iPad, or iPhone without having to save those songs locally.

The iTunes Match beta version is accessible to the developers of US now and they can buy for only $24.99 for one year paid subscription. Those developers who jump on iTunes Match during the beta version will be rewarded with supplementary three months subscription at no cost. Developers should take back-up of their iTunes files because Apple will occasionally reorganize your iCloud library during the beta phase.

Apple is going to face tough competition for its cloud-based offering from newly launched similar services like Rdio and Spotify. Apple’s sturdy association with the labels provides it a different benefit while as it plans to drive iCloud to the masses.