LAS VEGAS, Apr 19, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Macromedia (MACR) and VitalStream(R), Inc. (VSTH) today announced the continued adoption of Macromedia(R) Flash(TM) to deliver streaming video to millions of users.
Carat Interactive, Ltd., Comcast Cable Communications, LLC, Edmunds.com, and other leading companies are deploying Flash video content to deliver their messages using integrated video experiences to communicate to the largest possible online audience. The video content is delivered across a high-performance, reliable content delivery network to Macromedia Flash Player, which enables approximately 500 million web users to immediately experience the video content without downloading special plug-ins or media players. A Flash Video Gallery containing additional customer examples is available at http://www.macromedia.com/go/fvg/.
"Macromedia Flash video is really resonating with media companies, interactive agencies, and other small and large companies needing to deploy video on the web," said Chris Hock, director of product management, Macromedia. "Unlike other solutions, Flash video enables companies to deliver rich, interactive video via a seamlessly integrated, fully customizable user interface, empowering our customers to deliver custom branded video experiences directly in their website."
Comcast uses Flash video to deliver an interactive broadband portal to its high-speed Internet customers that includes "The Fan" broadband multimedia player, "The Assistant," a personalized toolbar with always-on utilities, Comcast Rhapsody, the country's leading Internet jukebox service, and additional broadband content from leading providers such as E!, G4, The Weather Channel, The Knot, Planeta Networks, Expedia, Scripps Networks, Major League Baseball, and others. Since the launch of "The Fan" in November 2003, video usage on Comcast.net has increased by a factor of 10.
"Our goal is to provide our customers with the information and entertainment content they want -- when and how they want it -- in an easily accessible fashion. Working with Macromedia and incorporating the proven Flash product is a key component in reaching that goal, because it means our customers do not need to buy or download any special software to access all of our high-powered streaming and broadband content," said Greg Butz, senior vice president of marketing and business development, Comcast High-Speed Internet. "Flash video helps us in ensuring that Comcast provides our customers the fastest, simplest, and most enjoyable broadband."
Carat Interactive used Flash video to deliver the "Impossible is Nothing" campaign for adidas (http://usa.adidas.com/) featuring female boxer Laila Ali and her legendary father, Muhammad Ali. The video ad delivered more than one million plays in a single day.
"Flash video is a great way to bring the impact of a successful television and print campaign online," said Geene Keenan, director of technology innovation, Carat Interactive. "With the resonance Flash brings a campaign, to the reliability of the Flash Video Streaming Service for the delivery, this was an obvious choice for us."
For its auto show coverage, Edmunds.com streams video of the latest new cars and trucks not yet on the market using Flash video, as well as interviews with leading auto industry executives.
"Edmunds.com is the premier online resource for automotive information and, as such, we need to ensure the experience is as engaging as possible," said Bob Kurilko, vice president of marketing, Edmunds.com. "By incorporating Flash video into our site, we are able to provide more immersive, engaging experiences, which have resulted in consumers staying on the site longer and increasing the number of page views."
ABOUT VITALSTREAM, INC.
VitalStream, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of VitalStream Holdings, Inc. (VSTH) , is a global provider of integrated content delivery services that enable businesses to broadcast their digital media and communications to worldwide audiences via the Internet. The company provides complete solutions, including audio and video streaming, live event broadcasting, media asset management, integrated web hosting and consulting services, that seamlessly integrate with today's leading streaming media technologies. To ensure a worldwide reach, VitalStream engineered its award-winning content delivery network certified for quality delivery in the United States, Europe and Asia. For more information, call 800-254-7554 or visit www.vitalstream.com.
ABOUT MACROMEDIA
Experience matters. Macromedia is motivated by the belief that great experiences build great businesses. Our software empowers millions of business users, developers, and designers to create and deliver effective, compelling, and memorable experiences -- on the Internet, on fixed media, on wireless, and on digital devices.
Macromedia, the Macromedia logo, and Macromedia Flash are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macromedia, Inc., which may be registered in the United States and internationally. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
