Aiming to decrease plug-in problems and bottleneck associated with Internet
broadcasting, WebRadio.com Monday named Sandpiper Networks Inc. its official distribution network.
Sandpiper will distribute WebRadio.com’s audio
and video content through the Footprint network to safeguard availability and
site performance, especially during special Web events with heavy traffic.
The Footprint network contends it spurs site performance by at least 50
percent, and will bolster distribution of WebRadio.com’s listener content.
Beginning in the second quarter of this year, WebRadio.com, a “plug-in-free”
Internet broadcasting site, will launch live radio broadcast feeds to Internet
users. WebRadio.com already has signed webcasting contracts with 35 US-based
radio stations. The new site is supported by GEO Interactive’s EMBLAZE
streaming media technology, which does not use plug-ins. WebRadio.com is free
to all users with a Java-enabled browser and will offer live and on-demand
programming such as concerts, music videos, TV programs, movie trailers, news
and sporting events.
Footprint’s network uses custom servers located in every major backbone in the
world and content is delivered by request so that users can view information
from their own local networks instead of waiting for content to transmit
through the Internet. Footprint is a turnkey solution offering Adaptive
Content Distribution, a new intelligent delivery services category that
recognizes and respond to changes in network conditions, user demands and
system loads.
“By leveraging Footprint’s global distribution network, WebRadio.com becomes
the first media broadcaster to locally distribute multimedia from major
backbones around the world,” said Leo Spiegel, president and CEO for
Sandpiper. “By adding a layer of intelligence to Internet broadcasting,
Sandpiper will bring an unprecedented level of performance to the WebRadio.com
experience.”
“WebRadio.com is dedicated to making the Internet broadcasting experience
easier and more enjoyable for its listeners and Sandpiper’s technology helps
make that possible,” said Moti Dolgin, president of WebRadio.com.
“First,
WebRadio.com eliminated the plug-in problem by offering a Java solution, then
Sandpiper has taken care of the bottleneck problem with its Footprint network. Together we’ve created what we believe to be the most comprehensive and compelling solution for radio stations and listeners worldwide.”
