Microsoft Powering Showtime Networks’ Broadband Game Service

LAS VEGAS — April 15, 2007 — Today at the 2007 National Association of Broadcasters conference (NAB2007), Microsoft Corp. announced that it is providing a wide range of software solutions and consulting services for On Broadband Networks LLC’s new turnkey, private-label game download service. On Broadband Networks is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and game publisher Broadband Libraries.

On Broadband Networks is a robust service for high-speed access providers that combines the transactional marketing and promotional programming expertise of Showtime Networks with the game industry experience of Broadband Libraries. Microsoft is providing a wide range of technology solutions and consulting services that form the foundation upon which On Broadband Networks can rapidly develop and deliver a powerful broadband games platform for high-speed access operators and their customers.

“Microsoft has been instrumental in helping us execute on the vision we had for transforming the way games are distributed,” said Peter von Schlossberg, executive vice president and general manager, On Broadband Networks. “We’ve been able to design and build the service in a fraction of the time and cost of other similar ventures, largely because of Microsoft’s commitment to driving this effort forward.”

On Broadband Networks aims to exploit the ubiquity and high throughput of today’s broadband infrastructure to evolve the way games are distributed. The service provides a client-based application that, when downloaded to a PC, allows the user to access a wide collection of full-feature games — new game titles on the day of commercial release in brick-and-mortar retailers, as well as games that may have only a niche audience or that have lost retail shelf space to newer titles. Users have the option to purchase games they’d like to own, or can subscribe to a variety of game offerings supporting both online and offline gameplay.

On Broadband Networks will operate the service as a turnkey, fully integrated, private-label service targeting cable and DSL broadband providers. The service offers broadband providers the ability to drive triple play bundles and realize new revenue opportunities, while allowing them to create additional subscriber value that can help reduce customer churn and increase satisfaction and loyalty.

“The convergence of the media and entertainment world with cable and telcos is creating exciting new business models and distribution channels,” said Gabriele Di Piazza, managing director for Media & Entertainment in the Communications Sector at Microsoft. “Our collaboration with On Broadband Networks highlights how media and entertainment companies can use technology to rapidly capitalize on new market opportunities that will enable them to differentiate themselves in a very competitive and dynamic environment.”

At the outset of the relationship, Microsoft® Consulting Services (MCS) was engaged to build the initial technology architecture. MCS also provided software quality assurance and software development for the project. Among the Microsoft software solutions included as part of the game service platform and customer contact center are Microsoft Commerce Server 2007, Microsoft BizTalk® Server 2006, Microsoft SQL Server™ 2005, Microsoft Live Communications Server, Microsoft Dynamics™ CRM and Windows Live™ Service Agents.

About On Broadband Networks LLC

On Broadband Networks LLC offers a turnkey, fully integrated, private-label game service for high speed access cable and DSL broadband providers. It will deliver the next generation of interactive video game entertainment. On Broadband Networks is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and Broadband Libraries.

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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