Microsoft Forms Streaming Media Unit, Joins Internet 2 Coalition

Microsoft said the streaming media unit's formation recognizes the increasing popularity of streaming audio and video. The new organization will help businesses use streaming technology in new applications. The company plans to increase the level of streaming media support in future updates to Windows 98 as well as in Windows 2000 and other operating system releases.

"As end-user behavior shifts to encompass these new technologies, vendors are challenged to provide consumers and knowledge workers with a superior digital media experience while enabling business managers and content providers to develop profitable business models and extend their reach into new markets," the company said in a statement.

Windows Media Technologies includes Windows Media Player, Windows Media Services, Tools and the software development kit.

Speaking on the company's plans to help the Internet 2 Coalition, Rick Rashid, vice president of Microsoft Research, said the project is in line with Microsoft's vision of a network that is accessible at any time from any location.

"The Internet as we know it today is constantly pushed to its limits. Even though now we can participate in videoconferences or exchange audio and video clips with one another, the quality of the experience is not optimal or compelling enough to make it commonplace. By working with the Internet2 consortium, Microsoft is confident that together we can overcome the current technical challenges by developing the new network technologies that will eventually revolutionize the Internet experience," he said.

"This relationship not only demonstrates Microsoft's continuing commitment to (research and development) but a willingness to be actively involved with the Internet2 university community in pursuit of our common goals to advance the global Internet," he said.