Telecommunications company IDT Tuesday teamed
with RealNetworks to build the
first distributed multi-tier Internet broadcast architecture.
IDT, through the installation of RealSystem G2 broadcast hubs, will assist
in the multimedia delivery to IDT’s Web users via RealNetworks’ Real
Broadcast Network (RBN). IDT customers using RBN will be routed to
broadcast hubs throughout IDT’s points of presence (POPs) to deliver enhanced visual and
audio.
“We are happy to be working together with Real Networks to ensure that our
customers have clear and reliable access to the Internet broadcast
programming of their choice now and in the future,” said Michael
Fischberger, senior vice president of IDT’s domestic telecom and Internet
services.
“This is the first of many new initiatives that we have taken to
reinvigorate our newly independent Internet division.”
“This agreement supports
RBN’s multi-tier approach for improving the Internet multimedia experience
for consumers and broadening the Internet broadcast capabilities for
content providers,” said Ian
Freed, general manager of Real’s RBN efforts.
On Monday RealNetworks announced projects to expand distribution of its
multi-tier broadcast service with backbone providers Sprint, AT&T, GTE, and
Teleglobe; broadband company Enron Communications; and ISPs Concentric
Network, EarthLink, IDT, MindSpring, SNET Internet, and Verio.
RealNetworks released an update of RealPlayer G2 in March which
incorporates AOL’s Instant Messenger
service and adds new features for broadband users.
