Microsoft Enhances Media Hosting Provider Certification Program

Microsoft Corp. announced the enhancement of the Windows Media® Hosting Provider Certification Program with the addition of the Premier designation and has chosen Keynote Systems Inc. (www.keynote.com) as its certification partner.

"This certification program gives content owners confidence that certified hosting providers have been evaluated and tested to ensure they have the technical expertise to deliver the best the Windows Media platform has to offer," said Jonathan Usher, director of the Windows® Digital Media Division at Microsoft.

The first providers to upgrade their certification to this new level are Akamai Technologies Inc., Limelight Networks, Nine Systems Corp., SAVVIS Communications Corp. and VitalStream Inc.

To achieve Premier certification status, members of the program must pass stringent network quality assurance tests administered by Keynote Systems using its Streaming Perspective® service.

This includes significant testing of live streaming URLs. Partners that have achieved Premier certification can provide the best streaming experience for even the largest streaming events and projects. This designation will help content owners whose needs for stream hosting go beyond the ordinary.

The Premier designation is being introduced to the program to differentiate those companies that have implemented hosting networks which exceed basic requirements and demonstrate exceptional reliability and serving capacity.

"We have added this premier designation to distinguish hosting providers that have built out extensive networks with the capacity to handle the toughest situations, and our partnership with Keynote represents the trust we have in the independence and accuracy of its measurements."

The availability and widespread use of broadband connections and improvement in streaming technology have made the Internet a viable and cost-effective way for major companies to market their products and services.