MCI Corp has teamed up with multimedia streaming technology company Progressive Networks Inc to launch an internet broadcast venture, the RealNetwork. The two plan to offer the service to businesses and broadcasters who want to broadcast both live and on demand RealAudio and RealVideo programming to large audiences – up to 50,000 – on the internet or intranets. Progressive, which recently lured Microsoft Corp as a licensee and an investor (CI No 3,208) will provide the expertise for audio and video streaming and MCI, the internet backbone. MCI has broadcast-enabled its infrastructure by deploying Progressive’s splitter and multicast technology throughout its IP network, allowing any internet user to access RealNetwork broadcasts. The venture already has deals in place with content providers including ABC News, Atlantic Records, ESPN and the Seattle Mariners baseball team.
