At the 2007 National Association of Broadcasters conference (NAB2007), Microsoft Corp. announced that it is providing a wide range of software solutions and consulting services for On Broadband Networks LLC’s new turnkey, private-label game download service. On Broadband Networks is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and game publisher Broadband Libraries.

On Broadband Networks is a robust service for high-speed access providers that combines the transactional marketing and promotional programming expertise of Showtime Networks with the game industry experience of Broadband Libraries. Microsoft is providing a wide range of technology solutions and consulting services that form the foundation upon which On Broadband Networks can rapidly develop and deliver a powerful broadband games platform for high-speed access operators and their customers.

“Microsoft has been instrumental in helping us execute on the vision we had for transforming the way games are distributed,� said Peter von Schlossberg, executive vice president and general manager, On Broadband Networks. “We’ve been able to design and build the service in a fraction of the time and cost of other similar ventures, largely because of Microsoft’s commitment to driving this effort forward.�

On Broadband Networks aims to exploit the ubiquity and high throughput of today’s broadband infrastructure to evolve the way games are distributed. The service provides a client-based application that, when downloaded to a PC, allows the user to access a wide collection of full-feature games — new game titles on the day of commercial release in brick-and-mortar retailers, as well as games that may have only a niche audience or that have lost retail shelf space to newer titles. Users have the option to purchase games they’d like to own, or can subscribe to a variety of game offerings supporting both online and offline gameplay.

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Microsoft, NAB2007, Boradband Game Service, Powering, Showtime, Networks, Press Release