As RealNetworks and Microsoft Dominate the Streaming Media Highway, Other Players Push Their Way Into the Traffic; Broadband Build-out Also Underway

Business Wire, July 16, 1999

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 15, 1999--

As demand for faster Internet access is supplied for both corporate and home-based users, the adjacent market for streaming media promises to grow in parallel.

While RealNetworks and Microsoft are at the forefront of the Internet streaming media rush hour, other competitors are also moving into position. Not to be outdone, the Hollywood music recording industry is also pushing its way in, by insisting on a secure MP3-type compression standard for digital music.

Despite the recent frenzy over broadband Web access, high-speed access will eventually become common for most users, and the Internet marketing war will shift from compelling speed to compelling content. An overview of competitors' strategies is the focus of IP Video and Streaming Media -- Servers and Services Market Overview and Forecast 1999-2001, a new report by MRG.

Many companies profiled in this report have placed streaming media in their core strategies, hoping to leverage their unique hardware and software strengths. Product-centric developers Microsoft and RealNetworks are profiled, along with Apple, Cisco, and IBM.

Server companies Compaq, Sun, HP, Inktomi, IVT, Oracle, and others are also profiled. The report also includes a market forecast for media servers.

Major service-provider profiles include AOL, Concentric, Excite@Home, GTE, Road Runner and Yahoo/Broadcast.com. "We expect a marketing war to emerge between the mega-portals, all of which use streaming media as part of their central attraction," stated Gary Schultz, CEO of MRG.

"We also think digital satellite to the home will play a big role in the future of emerging high speed services." Content-centric profiles include CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, WWF, BMC Software, and ZDNet.

The report includes a glimpse at the massive work-in-progress of the U.S. broadband buildout, and refinement of content tools that shape streaming media for both Internet and intranet use. The biggest barriers for cable MSOs, ILECs (Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers), and CLECs (Competitive Local Exchange Carriers) are also discussed.

IP Video and Streaming Media -- Servers and Services Market Overview and Forecast 1999-2001 is available for $2,995.00. To order or request information, contact 408/524-9767 or info@mrgco.com.

About Multimedia Research Group Inc. (MRG)

Founded in 1990, MRG Inc. has headquarters in Sunnyvale. MRG provides market analyses of new technologies in the communications industries.