Microsoft Certifies SyncCast as One of Six Windows Media 9 Series Hosting Providers; Makes It Easier for Content Providers to Identify Proven Windows Media Experts

Business Wire, Feb 19, 2003

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

NORWALK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2003

SyncCast, LLC is certified by Microsoft Corp. as a Windows Media(R) 9 Series Hosting Provider. For content companies evaluating their hosting and content delivery network (CDN) options, Windows Media 9 Series certification is a symbol of proven excellence in the delivery of Windows Media Audio and Video 9 Series streams.

"SyncCast is truly proud to be one the first six providers identified by Microsoft as having passed a stringent set of tests and criteria to gain this certification status," Lance Ware, CEO, stated.

"A rigorous certification program will help content providers like National Public Radio make more informed decisions about which hosting providers have the technical expertise and most reliable networks to deliver Windows Media 9 Series content. NPR is preparing to offer its content in the Windows Media 9 Series format, and we are also moving toward CDN delivery of audio content. This type of certification program is very helpful to our decision-making processes," said Maria Thomas, vice president and general manager for NPR.org.

"Content owners can now be assured Windows Media 9 Series Certified Providers have been evaluated and tested to ensure they have the technical expertise to deliver the most out of the Windows Media 9 Series platform," said Dave Fester, general manager of the Windows(R) Digital Media Division at Microsoft. "Whether you want to reduce your bandwidth costs using Windows Media Audio and Video 9 compressions, deliver the best streaming experience to your customers with Fast Streaming, or create new opportunities with secure streamed events using our new Live DRM, a certified Windows Media 9 Series hosting provider has proven it can deliver."

Each Windows Media 9 Series Certified Hosting Provider has agreed to subject itself to rigorous third-party testing through StreamCheck, which specializes in measurement and certification of CDN quality of service. The testing is designed to ensure that hosting providers not only offer thorough end-to-end support, but also maintain a rigorous quality of service for the responsive and reliable delivery of streams. In addition, each certified hosting provider agrees to subject itself to random quality checks to assure continued high-quality hosting service with Windows Media 9 Series.

About SyncCast

SyncCast is a privately held company that provides solutions for secure

delivery of digital media and related data via the Internet and other media (DVDs, CDs, etc.). SyncCast is also a leading Content Delivery Network (CDN), globally load balanced, utilizing multiple tier-1 Internet backbones. SyncCast clients include: EMI Music Group, Microsoft, Lions Gate Films, AtomShockWave, American Film Institute, CinemaNow and others. For more information about SyncCast, go to: http://www.synccast.com.

For more information on the SyncCast DRM packager, please go to: http://www.synccast.com/files/pdf/drmpackager.pdf