Akamai releases AdaptiveEdge Streaming for Microsoft Silverlight

Akamai announced Tuesday AdaptiveEdge Streaming for Microsoft Silverlight, which delivers a variable bit-rate stream from its content delivery network dependent on each user's Internet connection speed to maximize performance. The technology, part of a partnership between Microsoft and Akamai announced in October 2008, allows up to 720p HD video streams to be delivered to customers, dependant on connection speed, according to the company.

AdaptiveEdge Streaming enables a higher video completion rate than standard streaming options, as buffering and lag time are reduced for each customer. The ability to deliver the optimal stream bit-rate to each customer provides value for content providers who want to raise engagement rates with viewers, as buffering and lagging cause users not to complete videos.

As part of the announcement, Akamai identified several international customers who have been using the product in beta since earlier this year. CTV, the largest broadcaster in Canada, and RAI, and Italian public broadcaster, announced they were using Akamai's AdaptiveEdge Streaming for online video offerings.

"We are delighted to be the first to offer our customers a solution that fully integrates with the Microsoft IIS7 Smooth Streaming technology," said Tim Napoleon, chief strategist, digital media at Akamai. "This solution is the result of Akamai and Microsoft coming together to help address the performance and quality issues associated with the online video viewing experience, such as buffering and slow start up times. We've received positive feedback from customers including that they're seeing increased viewing times due to the higher quality viewing experience." 

For more:
- see the Akamai press release here 

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