Stuart Corner
Friday, 29 September 2006 02:40
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The BBC and Microsoft have signed an MoU that could one day see the BBC's rich store of archived content as well as future programming delivered over a variety of Microsoft services.
A non-exclusive memorandum of understanding defining the framework within which the companies can "explore opportunities for the delivery and consumption of BBC content and the evolution of next-generation broadcasting" was signed by BBC director general, Mark Thompson and director of new media and technology, Ashley Highfield, when they met Microsoft chairman Bill Gates to discuss the BBC's digital strategy.
The memorandum of understanding aims to identify areas of common interest between the BBC and Microsoft on which a strategic alliance could be developed. Areas of potential investigation and collaboration include search and navigation, distribution, and content enablement.
According to a joint press release, the BBC's digital strategy includes plans for the BBC's online archive, for a radically re-invented Web site in the Web 2.0 world and for ways to share the BBC's online content in the future.
"We are currently witnessing unprecedented rates of change in technology and audience expectations," Thompson said. "To ensure that the BBC 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."