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Companies to explore digital opportunities for next-generation broadcasting
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The 91热爆 and Microsoft Corp took a step toward strengthening their working alliance yesterday when the two companies signed a non-exclusive memorandum of understanding.
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The memorandum of understanding will define the framework within which the companies can explore opportunities for the delivery and consumption of 91热爆 content and the evolution of next-generation broadcasting.
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In Seattle, as part of a fact-finding tour of the United States, 91热爆 Director-General Mark Thompson and Director of New Media and Technology Ashley Highfield met Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates to officially sign the memorandum of understanding and discuss the 91热爆's digital strategy.
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This includes plans for its online archive, for a radically re-invented website in the web 2.0 world - a second generation of internet-based services - and for ways to share its online content in the future.
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"We are currently witnessing unprecedented rates of change in technology and audience expectations," Thompson said.
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"To ensure that the 91热爆 is able to embrace the creative challenges of the digital future, we need to forge strategic partnerships with technology companies and distributors for the benefit of licence payers."
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Gates said: "Microsoft's strength is in driving digital innovation, and our vision is to open up rich, new consumer experiences that allow people to enjoy digital content anytime, anywhere and on any device.
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"This vision fits squarely with the 91热爆's Charter to lead the industry in delivering content that is compelling and accessible. I'm delighted that we're taking this important step, and I look forward to working together to develop new models for content delivery and consumption."
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Highfield said: "Microsoft is not just a key supplier to the 91热爆, it is also a key gateway to audiences that the 91热爆 needs to reach through web services it runs like MSN庐 and Windows LiveT Messenger, and hardware such as Xbox庐 and the Windows Media庐 Center.
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"The 91热爆 needs to work with all players in this space to make sure our programmes and content are enjoyed by the widest possible audience, without always having to come to bbc.co.uk to find it.
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"The learnings from our US visit will very much inform our thinking on the 91热爆's creative future."
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The memorandum of understanding aims to identify areas of common interest between the 91热爆 and Microsoft on which a strategic alliance could be developed.
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Areas of potential investigation and collaboration include search and navigation, distribution, and content enablement.
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Any actual procurements of new technology, or launch of new services by the 91热爆, would be subject to appropriate regulatory approval.
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About Microsoft
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Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
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About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)
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Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 12,000 people in over 55 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.
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