Microsoft Extends Connected Services Framework to Film Industry

Microsoft Corp. (www.microsoft.com) today announced it is extending the Microsoft® Connected Services Framework to organizations in the broadcast and film industries.

The Connected Services Framework, an integrated, server-based software solution, enables broadcast companies and film studios to streamline the creation, management and delivery of digital content.

The product has gained broad industry support because Microsoft is collaborating with leading companies such as Avid Technology Inc., North Plains Systems Corp., OmniBus Systems, Panasonic and Telestream Inc. to offer a comprehensive solution with Connected Services Framework at the core.

"The Microsoft Connected Services Framework is already generating tremendous excitement among customers and partners in the film and broadcast industries," said Maria Martinez, corporate vice president for the Communications Sector at Microsoft.

The Microsoft Connected Services Framework, which was introduced to the telecommunications industry in February 2005, sets a new standard for Web services-based interoperability.

The solution employs a service-oriented architecture (SOA) approach to deliver an interoperable, manageable and scalable infrastructure of shared services such as digital asset management and content distribution processes. Built on proven Microsoft technologies and using industry standards such as Extensible Markup Language (XML), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and Web Services Description Language (WSDL), the Connected Services Framework enables customers to extend their existing technology investments and build a connected system that allows digital assets to move seamlessly across platforms and applications.

"In the broadcast and film industries there has been a historic split between operations and IT infrastructures, but as the migration to digital content accelerates, it is critical to create unified, efficient methods for developing, managing and delivering content," said Joshua Duhl, director of research for the Content Management and Retrieval Solutions service at IDC.

"The key to the modern broadcast operation is workflow and effective business integration," said Ian Fletcher, founder and CTO of Omnibus Systems.

"As the media production landscape has expanded beyond content creation to include content management and distribution, our 17 years of film, video and broadcast experience has taught us that customers can achieve the greatest ROI when they deploy technologies that streamline and enhance their workflow," said David Schleifer, vice president of Avid Broadcast and Workgroups.

Microsoft will present an integrated, end-to-end product demonstration of the Connected Services Framework with leading broadcast industry partners at the 2005 National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas, April 18--21 at the LVCC Microsoft booth, South Hall SL332.

The Microsoft Connected Services Framework is an integrated, server-based software solution for building and managing services using a service-oriented architecture (SOA).