BBC, Microsoft Team up on Digital Technology

BBC has tied up with IT giant, Microsoft to share digital content online and to work together towards building a next generation digital broadcasting technology. The two companies signed a nonexclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Seattle, to define the framework within which the companies can work.

The deal includes plans for BBC's online archives, a revamped BBC web site, more suited for Web 2.0 and a second generation of Internet-based services, apart from ways to share online content in the future. Ashley Highfield, BBC's director of new media and technology announced that Microsoft will not merely be a key supplier of content for BBC, but will also be a key gateway in terms of audience for BBC, via Web services such as Windows Live Messenger and hardware such as Xbox and the Windows Media Center.

Microsoft chairman, Bill Gates said, "Microsoft's strength is in driving digital innovation, and our vision is to open up rich, new consumer experiences that allow people to enjoy digital content anytime, anywhere and on any device. This vision fits squarely with the BBC's charter to lead the industry in delivering content that is compelling and accessible. I'm delighted that we're taking this important step, and I look forward to working together to develop new models for content delivery and consumption."

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The MoU highlights areas of potential investigation and collaboration such as search and navigation, distribution, and content enablement.

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