Paul and thread,
Here's what some companies are doing about "the rapid increase in network capacity and personal computer processing power now taking place."
Barry
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biz.yahoo.com
Monday July 20, 2:41 pm Eastern Time
Cisco, Microsoft expand multimedia alliance
REDMOND, Wash., July 20 (Reuters) - Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO - news) and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT - news) said on Monday they had agreed to extend their technology alliance to cover systems for delivering multimedia voice and video over computer networks.
In a statement, Cisco and Microsoft said that over the next few months, they will announce additional details on how so-called ''streaming media'' technologies from the two companies will be made to interoperate on corporate computer networks.
Current computer networks are designed primarily to deliver data, while phone networks are geared for voice communications. Streaming media networks would allow real-time video to be delivered over Internet-based computer networks.
Cisco stock had gained $3.50 to $103.25 in mid-afternoon trading on Nasdaq, where it was the most active issue. Microsoft was up 56 cents at $118.50, also in active trade.
The companies said they will build on existing Microsoft technologies such as Windows Media Player, Windows NT Server NetShow Services, and NetShow Theater Server, and Cisco's IP/TV (Internet Potocol/Television) and other Internet products.
Cisco and Microsoft said they plan to deliver ''synergistic technologies'' that offer customers a set of tools and services for developing and installing ''streaming media'' networks.
The expanded alliance is designed to take advantage of the rapid INCREASE IN NETWORK CAPACITY AND PERSONAL COMPUTER PROCESSING POWER now taking place.
It builds on existing partnership among Cisco, Microsoft and Intel Corp. (INTC - news), who joined forces in March 1997 to promote the widespread adoption of multimedia network standards and technologies.
The announcement coincided with the Networked Multimedia Connection Showcase in San Jose, Calif., an event sponsored by the three companies and aimed at accelerating the adoption of networked multimedia, including streaming video, in corporate and university markets.
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