Akamai Teams with EBU to Enable Internet Streaming of Olympics

HostReview.com
Friday, August 27, 2004; 12:00 AM

August 27, 2004 - (HostReview.com) - Akamai Technologies, Inc. (www.akamai.com), the global leader of distributed computing solutions and services, today announced that its global streaming network is being utilized by leading broadcasters throughout Europe for the delivery of live and archived footage of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, to be made available on the broadcasters' respective Web sites.

The agreement between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the EBU marks the first time in Olympics history that live Internet streaming of the Games to European end users has been authorized by the IOC. EBU broadcasters have the opportunity to utilize the Akamai EdgePlatform to ensure the reliable and high-quality delivery of streaming within their regions.

"Akamai's unique geo-location technologies and global delivery platform are among the components of our strategy to create a new consumption paradigm by which Internet coverage can complement television broadcasting," said Marc Joerg, Sports Rights Manager for the EBU.

To adhere to syndication guidelines set forth by the IOC for the online streaming of the Olympic Games, the EBU is working with Akamai to ensure content is directed to authorized subscribers in each country or region. Akamai's geo-location technologies, and integration with leading content security provider Entriq, help enable EBU broadcasters to avoid violation of these acquired rights.

European broadcasters that are offering live or deferred streaming of the Games from their respective Web sites include ARD, ZDF in Germany, Canal+ in France, SVT in Sweden, DR Denmark, and SRG in Switzerland, to name a few.

Akamai® is the global leader in distributed computing solutions and services, making the Internet predictable, scalable, and secure for conducting profitable e-business. The Akamai on demand platform enables customers to easily extend their Web operations - with full control - anywhere, anytime, without the cost of building out infrastructure.