Intel streams the web....................................
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Intel Launches Internet Business to Provide Streaming Media Services
Intel Internet Media Services Builds Global Distribution Network, Unveils Industry Relationships and Customers
HILLSBORO, OR --(May 11, 2000)-- Intel Corporation announced a new Internet service business to stream audio and video from a network of broadcast operations centers and Internet "edge" servers located close to viewing audiences.
The Intel Internet Media Services business will enable companies worldwide to deliver content such as live concerts, feature films, radio, training and financial briefings over the Internet with a higher level of reliability and quality.
Intel Internet Media Services is part of Intel's New Business Group. This group was formed to grow new Internet-related services and products in support of Intel's mission to be the building block supplier to the worldwide Internet economy.
Intel is investing $200 million to build a highly reliable, global and scalable network designed expressly to stream audio and video over the Internet. The network will be built around digital broadcast operations centers that feature Intel's network intelligence technology. Intel's technology analyzes the entire network and streams content from the optimal servers located at the "edge" of the Internet to offer a faster, higher-quality experience. Through this delivery approach, content bypasses the bottlenecks that can delay and degrade streaming content as it crosses the Internet.
"As the Internet evolves into a multi-media platform, the demand for reliable, high-quality content distribution networks becomes increasingly important," said Gerry Parker, executive vice president and general manager of the Intel New Business Group. "Intel has developed intelligent network technologies and a network architecture that will help make robust streaming media over the Internet a reality."
In its recent Content Delivery Network Report, Internet Research Group estimates that the streaming media services market will grow more than twentyfold to $2.5 billion by 2004.
Industry Relationships and Customers
Intel also announced initial customers, including Premiere Radio Networks, nasdaq.com, Investor Broadcast Network, Comedy.com, MeTV.com, Golf Magazine and KISSFMi.com. Intel is also working with leading entertainment companies such as Fox Family Channel and FoxKids.com through its relationship with VideoDome.com. In cooperation with Intel(R) Enhanced Video Services, also part of Intel's New Business Group, Intel Internet Media Services is providing services for Quokka Sports, Avid Sports and the Continental Basketball Association.
Intel Internet Media Services is also working with several companies to offer a full range of complementary services that will help content providers take advantage of new revenue opportunities in delivering audio and video content online. Among technology providers, Intel is working with RealNetworks, Microsoft Corporation, DoubleClick, and PacketVideo. Solution providers iXL Live, McLeodUSA, Loudeye Technologies, Inc., ImaginOn, MediaOnDemand.com, theDial and POPcast Communications also announced their support for the Intel platform.
Intel Internet Media Services also announced alliances with network providers InterNAP, Teleglobe Communications Corporation, and Williams Communications, as well as satellite-based content delivery network Cidera. The business has established alliances with broadband providers Rhythms NetConnections Inc., Northpoint and New Edge Networks. Through these alliances, the Intel Internet Media Services has established a worldwide presence.
Broadcast Operations Centers in Oregon, London
Intel Internet Media Services began serving customers and delivering streaming audio and video in February in the first phase of its network deployment. This summer, Intel Internet Media Services will enter a second phase of deployment by activating a large-scale broadcast operations center and expanded network. The 70,000 square-foot broadcast operations center will be located in Portland, Ore. A second center will be activated in London by the end of the year.
At its broadcast operations centers, Intel Internet Media Services will receive, encode and host content providers' programming using digital processing. The broadcast operations centers will also conduct round-the-clock network surveillance and system management. Connections to all points across the network have backup links and failover redundancy.
To meet the growing market segment demand, Intel Internet Media Services has designed its network to scale to hundreds of gigabits per second, hundreds of terrabytes of media storage, and handle thousands of simultaneous live events.
More information about Intel Internet Media Services is available at www.intel.com/internetservices/media or by calling 877/320-2662.
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