Rhythms NetConnections Joins Microsoft in Windows Media Broadband Jumpstart Initiative - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Oct 4, 1999

Rhythms NetConnections Inc., a leading provider of high-performance networking solutions for distributed networks and applications, Wednesday announced plans to work together with Microsoft Corp. on the Windows Media Broadband Jumpstart initiative, an end-to-end, industry-wide effort designed to accelerate broadband technology adoption. Rhythms will provide streaming media technologies that will enable its customers to view content directly at their desktop. The Windows Media Broadband Jumpstart initiative will begin with a trial in Boston.

Streaming media allows customers to fully leverage the benefits of DSL technology, which includes much more than basic Internet access. Rhythms is providing its customers the next generation of high-speed access solutions.

"We're excited about the opportunities this broadband initiative brings to the market. Streaming media, using the superior broadcast quality audio and video capabilities of Microsoft Windows Media Technologies, will help change the way people communicate, live and work," said Jim Greenberg, Rhythms chief network officer. "Rhythms' high-performance network was designed to anticipate the addition of media streaming and other applications. Rhythms features the only ATM- and IP-based network in the industry, which provides our customers with extended reach and private network capabilities."

"We are excited to take the critical pioneering steps with Rhythms in the Windows Media Broadband Jumpstart initiative and help bring broadband media into the mainstream for consumers and content provider," said Navin Chaddha, director, Broadband and Infrastructure, Streaming Media Division, Microsoft Corp. "The successful establishment of the next-generation Internet depends on the cross-industry cooperation started today."

Rhythms provides a robust suite of transport services over a single connection, creating the framework for one telecommunications network for remote workers and offices and teleworkers. Rhythms' ability to incorporate multiple transport technologies provides customers with the options they need to meet their growing business demands.

Rhythms provides managed network services for business and enterprise users, based on "always on" DSL connections ranging in speeds from 128 kbps to 7.1 Mbps (approximately 125 times the speed of today's fastest dial-up modem).

Rhythms NetConnections Inc. is a leading provider of high-performance networking solutions for distributed networks and applications. Rhythms was chosen by FORTUNE magazine as one of its "Cool Companies for 1999." Based in Englewood, Colorado, Rhythms currently serves 26 markets in the United States, covering 45 MSAs. Telecommunications services for Rhythms are provided by Rhythms Links Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rhythms. For more information, call 1-800-RHYTHMS (1-800-749-8467), or visit the Web site at www.rhythms.com.