Europe Online Networks S.A. Selects SkyStream's Infrastructure Equipment to Power its Broadband Internet Network
SkyStream Networks, a leading provider of networking solutions for broadband media delivery, today announced that Europe Online Networks S.A. (EON), operator of Europe's first hybrid broadband Internet network, is using SkyStream's Source Media (TM) routers (SMR) in its global network to deliver cinema-quality streaming entertainment content to subscribers' personal computers. Europe Online selected the SMR platform for its ability to deliver new types of television and Internet-integrated programming over existing satellite networks with per user speeds of up to 2 mbps -- significantly faster than traditional land-based Internet methods for consumers.
For broadband service providers like Europe Online, SkyStream's networking solutions lower their operating costs by leveraging existing bandwidth to deliver new media types. By incorporating broadcast technology into their network architectures, they can support and deliver new personalized content from the Internet that benefits from the quality and reach of broadcast television.
SkyStream's SMR enables the connection of broadcast elements into Europe Online's network, allowing it to offer new Internet services such as full-screen streaming video and CD-quality audio, live broadcast events, high-speed downloads, interactive gaming, video-on-demand and video-enhanced e-commerce to thousands of subscribers. Europe Online joins more than 125 service providers and broadcasters worldwide that currently use SkyStream's integrated hardware and software for better content quality and network performance.
"We have built Europe Online on the value proposition inherent in the convergence of Internet and traditional media content, which has allowed for partnerships with major media content leaders like Sony, Bertelsmann Music Group and ZDNet," said Jeff Hustad, CTO at Europe Online. "We chose SkyStream because we recognize that its SMR platform is at the forefront of enabling technologies to deliver rich content faster and more efficiently."
Europe Online is using the SMR to broadcast live streams of television programming from Eurosport, CNBC and Fashion TV as well as original Europe Online content to subscribers' PCs, creating a personalized and interactive experience in a completely EON-branded environment. Facilitating the delivery of large-scale Internet content at Europe Online's satellite uplink-site, SkyStream's SMR is an integral component in the converged content-delivery platform.
"Internet service providers are looking for new methods of content delivery that leverage the assets of broadband and broadcast networks, which is why SkyStream is dedicated to building solutions that deliver rich digital content quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively, empowering ISPs to offer enhanced services to subscribers," said Jim Olson, CEO of SkyStream Networks. "We are very proud to be working with leading entertainment service provider, Europe Online, a company that is focused on advancing the use of integrated TV, Internet networks and content to create new media services for its subscribers."
SkyStream Networks, 455 DeGuigne Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94085. Tel: 408-616-3300; Fax: 408-616-3400.