AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — Sept. 10, 2005 — Today at IBC2005, the International Broadcasters Convention, Microsoft Corp. and Technicolor announced they are implementing Microsoft® Connected Services Framework in a localized deployment at Technicolor Entertainment Service’s New Media division as part of a project to explore broader service-oriented architecture opportunities within the division and companywide. Technicolor, a division of Thomson, is implementing Connected Services Framework in conjunction with Technicolor’s existing customized operations management software as the foundation for a service-oriented architecture (SOA) that helps maximize data sharing, automate complex work orders and streamline the creation, management and delivery of content. Connected Services Framework is a server-based solution that uses Web services to aggregate underlying technologies, binding previously independent applications and business units together into a dynamic work flow. By implementing Connected Services Framework and a specialized Media Order Adapter, Technicolor will be able to seamlessly connect its work order systems with other internal production processes to attain a fluid, automated exchange of data among otherwise disconnected applications, ultimately increasing productivity across the division.
“Technicolor offers its broadcast, film and video game customers a unified solution that incorporates state-of-the-art technologies and facilities supporting all aspects of content production and distribution. An element of our strategy to enhance our workflow and achieve even better time to market for our customers involves working with Microsoft Connected Services Framework,” said Ron Horwitz, executive vice president for Technicolor, New Media. “Our production and operations software has been designed to allow companywide systems interoperability and process efficiency, not only in the New Media division, but in other service areas within Technicolor. The Connected Services Framework enhances this integrated suite of services.”
Microsoft Connected Services Framework has the flexibility to easily scale across Technicolor worldwide facilities. By using industry standards such as Extensible Markup Language (XML), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and Web Services Description Language (WSDL), Connected Services Framework helps reduce the complexity and high costs associated with this element of Technicolor’s customized approach and accelerate the ability to expand and explore new content production and delivery opportunities.
“The unique assets that Technicolor has developed to meet the needs of its customers provide an excellent testing ground and proof point for the powerful capabilities of Connected Services Framework,” said Maria Martinez, corporate vice president for the Communications Sector at Microsoft. “By enabling the seamless connectivity of business and production processes, Connected Services Framework is revolutionizing the way media and entertainment companies operate, whether it’s enabling business and production systems to talk to one another or managing content to help take advantage of rapidly evolving distribution opportunities and maximize revenue potential.”
About Microsoft Connected Services Framework
Microsoft Connected Services Framework is an integrated, server-based software solution for building and managing services using a service-oriented architecture.
For media and entertainment organizations, Connected Services Framework provides an SOA to manage how disparate applications work together to help companies streamline the creation, management and delivery of content.
For telecommunications operators and service providers, Connected Services Framework allows them to aggregate, provision and manage converged communications services for their subscribers across multiple networks and a range of device types.
Connected Services Framework can simplify how content owners and operators work together to deliver fresh, new content to a broad audience of consumers. Connected Services Framework can help companies across the content and service delivery value chain reduce the cost and time of integration, get more from their existing infrastructure, and generate additional revenue streams through new services and content.
More information about Connected Services Framework for media and entertainment companies can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/resources/mediaandentertainment/solutions_connected_services_framework.mspx.
About Technicolor Entertainment Services (TES)
Technicolor Entertainment Services, part of the Services division of Thomson is the number one processor of motion picture film worldwide and a leading provider of creative/postproduction, cinema distribution and digital cinema services. With facilities worldwide, TES service lines include:
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Technicolor Film Services processes and prints 16/35/65/70 mm formats, dailies, answer prints, intermediates, and trailers.
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Technicolor Creative Services provides production, postproduction and post postproduction services ranging from film and audio restoration and preservation, in both analogue and digital formats, to DVD compression and authoring, VOD encoding, to episodic television and commercial advertising completion, and digital intermediates, HD dailies and digital previews.
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Technicolor Cinema Distribution Services provides high-quality distribution and logistics management services for motion picture release prints and advertising collateral through state-of-the-art technologies and an efficient distribution pipeline.
For more information: www.technicolor.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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