June 24, 2005
Phone Companies Using Microsoft Hit TV Service Snags
The WSJ reportts that over the past two years, Microsoft Corp. has convinced some of the largest telephone companies in the world to use its cutting-edge software in their plans to roll out television over Internet technology. ...Making the Microsoft software work with hardware and software from other companies is proving difficult.
Now, as the carriers race to get TV services to millions of customers, they are experiencing growing pains trying to move the services from development labs to broad commercial rollouts within the next year. Most of the challenges focus on melding for the first time Microsoft software, complex hardware, existing telecommunications networks and other pieces of the infrastructure for a cohesive service.
... While delays are typical with new technology, telephone companies don't have the luxury of time. Competition from cable companies, wireless phone services and others is eating away at their land-line businesses. "Our speed to market is critical here," says Lea Ann Champion, an SBC executive senior vice president. Ms. Champion adds that Microsoft hasn't indicated that it expects delays.
...Microsoft concedes that there have been snags, as with many roll-outs of complex new technologies. But it says the scale of the service being developed is unprecedented and it is on schedule.
... Neither Microsoft nor phone companies have a good track record in TV".
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