Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Software and IT Partner News

Nov29

Written by:SuperUser Account
11/29/2010 11:51 AM RssIcon

By Chris Foresman

Microsoft's partnership with ESPN to bring streaming sports to the Xbox 360 may be the tip of a streaming video iceberg. According to sources speaking to Reuters, the company is working on deals to launch a subscription service to stream video content to Windows PCs or devices such as the Xbox 360. 

Microsoft has proposed a few different ways that its service could work in its pitch to content providers. One would have Microsoft acting as a "virtual cable operator," streaming video in exchange for a monthly fee. Another would use the Xbox to enable existing cable subscribers to stream content with "enhanced interactivity." A third option would allow viewers to subscribe to channels separately—the "à la carte" option that most cable companies have fought against despite consumer demand and pressure from the FCC.

Microsoft's push comes rather late in the game, as rivals such as Apple, Netflix, and Hulu have been working on similar services for the last few years. While both Hulu and Netflix have recently launched streaming-only subscription services, content providers have so far balked at Apple's similar subscription proposal. And most providers have blocked the recently launched Google TV based devices from accessing streaming content from their respective websites.

The conventional wisdom is that online streaming services would jeopardize the "dual" revenue streams that come from cable subscription fees and advertising. Reuters noted that this dual revenue stream has made pay TV resilient against the economic downturn in recent years. But with consumer budgets tight, many are looking to "cut the cord" and pay only for the content they actually want instead of paying $60 or more per month for hundreds of channels they never watch.

Some media executives apparently see added value in Microsoft's proposal. "We think the more competition the better; we will price and package it in such a way that we still make the dual revenue stream," one executive told Reuters. "We could probably charge more for interactive advertising."

It's difficult to say if the dual revenue stream will be able to survive the transition to streaming online video, however. Many consumers looking to replace cable with streaming video options do so because they want to avoid having to "pay" for content twice—once with an expensive cable bill, and once by having to watch tons of commercials. It may be at least a year before any new service can be put to the test with viewers, however. According to Reuters' sources, discussions between Microsoft and media companies are in early stages and won't likely come to fruition for 12 months or more.

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Featured Microsoft Partners

 

THE KNASTER TECHNOLOGY GROUP 
Office Location:  Englewood, Colorado, United States
Type:  Reseller,Training Firm,VAR
Industry Focus:  Financial Services, Food and Beverage, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Media and Entertainment, Non-Profit, Professional Services, Software


Founded in 1990, the Knaster Technology Group is a Microsoft Gold Certified reseller focused exclusively on Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains, providing businesses with personalized implementation, training and support solutions. As a nineteen year consecutive recipient of the Microsoft Business Solutions Presidents Club award for service and sales excellence, we use industry best practices and proven implementation methodologies to improve the business success of over 300 clients. Our experienced team of Microsoft certified consultants is committed to providing a rapid implementation experience of minimal disruption and maximum sustainable value.

 

 

WCIX.Net Inc. 
Office Location:  Reno, Nevada, United States
Type:  Systems Integrator,System Builder
Industry Focus:  Media streaming, content distribution network (CDN), video streaming, web casting, IPTV, broadband TV, video on demand (VoD), Silverlight, adaptive streaming, Windows media streaming.


With 8 years experience, TotalStreams focus is large-scale, high-performance video streaming. TotalStream operates a Content Distribution Network (CDN) for audio and video streaming. Simply stated TotalStream moves audio and video content from the origin to the viewer. TotalStreams focus is large-scale, high-performance video streaming and IPTV / Broadband TV.

 

 

xRM 
Office Location:  Irvine, California, United States
Type:  Reseller,System Builder,VAR
Industry Focus:  Real estate, financial services, healthcare, technology, entertainment and other industries.


xRM, also known as Streamsol, specializes in CRM implementations for large and small businesses. We offer custom solutions, data migration, and hosting. xRM is one of the largest CRM Resellers in the Microsoft Partner Network.

 

 

Accountnet 
Office Location:  New York, New York, United States
Type:  Reseller,VAR
Industry Focus:  Non Profits, Government contrators, Healthcare, Finance


Accountnet is a Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains Software) and Dynamics SL (formerly Solomon Software) solution provider.

 

 

Avastone Technologies LLC 
Office Location:  Little Chute, Wisconsin, United States
Type:  VAR
Industry Focus:  Avastone Technologies, LLC has provided quality services to a vast array of industries, including: distribution, retail, service, government, not-for-profit, equipment sales and service, manufacturing, casinos, and job shop. We have industry-specific solutions for any industry.


Avastone Technologies, LLC is a Microsoft Gold Partner devoted to clients with the Microsoft Dynamics-GP, CRM, and SharePoint solution. With offices located in the Fox Cities, Milwaukee, and Chicago-land area, Avastone services clients through the Midwest. We have been representing Microsoft Dynamics for over 20 years... long than anyone in the state of Wisconsin.

 

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