Kontiki Technology Enables eBay to Offer TV-Quality Video of 'Auction for America' Items and Ford Modeling Agency's 'Supermodel of the World Search' Contest

Business Wire, Nov 27, 2001

Business Editors and High Tech Writers

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 2001

Kontiki, which enables companies to securely and efficiently deliver video and other digital media over the Internet, said today its technology is making it possible for eBay users to view full-screen, TV-quality videos of Ford Modeling Agency models wearing 20 designer fashions that will be available for bidding as a part of eBay's "Auction for America." The auction is eBay's online charity initiative designed to raise funds for the victims, families and communities affected by the terrorist attack of September 11th. In addition, eBay users can also view the results of Ford Modeling Agency's recent "2001 Supermodel of the World Search" contest from their PCs -- simply and efficiently.

"Kontiki's patent-pending technology is enhancing consumers' digital experience on eBay by introducing TV-quality video of the Ford's Supermodels, modeling the outfits that are being donated for bidding. Now, eBay shoppers can get a more complete look at the items available for bidding," said Mike Homer, Kontiki's CEO. "Because of bandwidth and technology limitations, historically, Internet video is viewed in tiny screens with jerky movement. In contrast, video downloaded through the Kontiki Delivery Network is full-screen and TV-quality. Because Kontiki is so easy to install and use, companies, like eBay, can offer brilliant and compelling video to a huge audience. Nowhere is this demonstrated more vividly than through the Ford model videos on eBay."

The Kontiki Delivery Network is a software-based personal delivery network that provides a secure and cost-effective method of delivering TV-quality video and other digital media directly to users' PCs. Kontiki's proprietary Bandwidth Harvesting technology caches content at the outer edges of the Internet and smoothes spiky bandwidth consumption patterns, solving today's Internet bottlenecks, which have frustrated users and deterred companies from distributing more digital content via the Internet. Kontiki also offers special delivery functions, including the ability to reserve content to be delivered in advance, and a new, improved user interface, making it easier and more enjoyable than ever to consume digital media. Further, viewers can easily email the videos to friends by using Kontiki's `Tell a Friend' feature.

Kontiki increases the speed and lowers the cost of delivery of digital media on the Internet at rates up to 10 times faster than traditional content distribution networks (CDNs) and at 1/3rd of the cost. Some of Kontiki's pilot customers include: Verisign, TiVo, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Palm, MP3.com, Mondomedia, Loudcloud, LivePlanet, Jamcracker, eRede, Electronic Arts and Amazon.

"We are pleased that Kontiki is employing their digital media delivery technology for the Ford Model Charity Auction," said Bryan Watson, senior category manager of eBay. "We see high-quality digital media as an interesting way to enhance our users' online experiences by allowing them to view items in a whole different way."

By visiting www.ebay.com/supermodel or www.kontiki.com, users can download individual clips of 20 designer outfits worn by the models, as well as highlights of the 2001 Ford Models' "Supermodel of the World Search." Some of the designers donating their clothing to be auctioned include Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Prada, Vivienne Tam, Ellen Tracy, BCBG, Valentino, Betsey Johnson and Carolina Herrera. The online auction will last through Friday, December 14th.

About Kontiki

Kontiki provides a secure, software-based content delivery network that is revolutionizing the delivery of digital media on the Internet. The Kontiki Delivery Network brings the digital assets of enterprises directly to users' PCs, with full-screen, TV-quality video that is easy to navigate and use. Kontiki's patent-pending technology, called Bandwidth Harvesting, utilizes the untapped bandwidth of millions of networked PCs at the "outer edge" of the Internet, resulting in substantial cost savings as well as revenue opportunities for companies. Backing the company are blue chip venture capital firms including The Barksdale Group, Benchmark Capital and Angel Investors, L.P. Kontiki has offices in San Francisco and Mountain View, CA, and can be found at www.kontiki.com.