(10 October 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Microsoft's Mediaroom Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia platform has won Stratecast’s 2007 Award for superior software business strategy.

Stratecast believes Microsoft’s strategy of developing a comprehensive IPTV architecture will continue to generate superior TV experiences for consumers and maximize value for Microsoft’s service provider customers as well as its technology and content partners.

Stratecast senior research analyst Pete Dailey says, "The conclusion that carriers prefer a comprehensive, end-to-end solution is reinforced by the number and scale of tier-1 telco deployments with Microsoft Mediaroom around the world, including those with BT, Deutsche Telekom and Swisscom, and of course AT&T, which now has more than 100,000 subscribers on Microsoft’s IPTV platform.

"Microsoft has put more resources into understanding and improving the consumer experience than any of its competitors, and the results are evident: Microsoft Mediaroom enables a superb consumer experience, with an elegant and easy-to-use interface and plenty of advanced features."

Microsoft TV GM worldwide marketing Christine Heckart says, "We are honored to be recognized by Stratecast for our commitment to delivering a comprehensive, end-to-end IPTV software platform.

"Our goal with Microsoft Mediaroom is to create the very best connected TV experience for consumers worldwide. As Microsoft Mediaroom and IPTV continue to gain momentum, television will increasingly become a centerpiece in the connected digital lifestyle, enabling consumers to connect, share, control and personalize their entertainment like never before."

In addition to full digital video recording, video on demand and high-definition TV capabilities, the Microsoft Mediaroom platform enables several next-generation TV features, including personal media sharing, instant channel zapping and multichannel viewing features. More than 19 of the world’s leading service providers have selected the Microsoft Mediaroom platform to deliver their digital TV services, and commercial deployments are currently under way with 11 providers.