SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 7, 1999 — Today at the Streaming Media West ’99 conference, iCAST.com, an online entertainment venture majority-owned by CMGI Inc. (Nasdaq
“CMGI”
), and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq
“MSFT” ) announced a strategic relationship for broadband and streaming media. iCAST will use Microsoft® Windows Media TM Technologies as the preferred streaming media format for the iCASTER, the company’s next-generation application and media player, and iCAST.com. The iCASTER combines audio and video streaming, instant messaging and chat, and powerful media search capabilities for an immersive online entertainment experience.
“Both iCAST.com and Microsoft understand the enormous role that streaming media will play in the future of online entertainment,”
said David Wetherell, chairman and CEO of CMGI.
“The Windows Media platform allows iCAST to achieve tremendous market reach, deliver the highest-quality digital media experience and provide a reliable, popular platform with which to grow our member base.”
“Microsoft is excited that iCAST has selected Windows Media for iCAST.com and the iCASTER,”
said Will Poole, general manager of the Streaming Media Division at Microsoft.
“Windows Media enables new opportunities, and we’re excited that iCAST is delivering top-notch entertainment and a compelling community experience using Windows Media.”
iCAST.com and Microsoft will work closely on several initiatives designed to encourage the creation and adoption of streaming media content in the Windows Media format, including promotion of iCASTER downloads and traffic on iCAST.com and affiliate sites that contain Windows Media-formatted content. Co-marketing plans include the sponsorship of music and film self-publishing contests on iCAST.com.
iCAST’s relationship with Microsoft will allow iCAST.com to significantly expand its stable Internet content and enables the iCASTER to deliver the highest-quality streaming media experience.
The iCASTER is a free, next-generation application that brings immersive entertainment to the desktop. It seamlessly integrates media playback (Windows Media audio, video and MP3) with chat, instant messaging and an elegant media search capability, which includes a database of more than 1,500 constantly updated, live streams from around the world. It will provide a contextual digital media experience that puts users at the center of their online entertainment experience. The iCASTER is a free, downloadable application that will be available with the launch of iCAST.com in January 2000.
About iCAST
iCAST.com is an online entertainment company created by CMGI that will launch with music and film channels. It will feature original and syndicated audio/video content and programming, live and archived events, entertainment news and related information and self-publishing tools. Using the Windows Media format, the iCASTER will offer the thrill of streaming media combined with the power of community and personalization for an unprecedented online entertainment experience. iCAST.com is scheduled to launch in January 2000.
About WindowsMedia.com
WindowsMedia.com ( http://windowsmedia.com/ ), part of the MSN TM network of Internet services, is among the fastest-growing major audio and video guides on the Internet. WindowsMedia.com provides access to localized audio and video content worldwide, including major music and video events and entertainment from more than 1,000 content providers.
About Windows Media Technologies
Windows Media Technologies is the leading digital media platform, providing consumers, content providers, solution providers, software developers and corporations with unmatched audio and video quality. Windows Media Technologies 4, which includes Windows Media Player, Windows Media Services, Windows Media Tools and the Windows Media SDK, is available for free* download at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/ . The Windows Media Player is the fastest growing media player. More than 50 million copies have been downloaded to date – growing by more than one every second.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
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