MACROMEDIA ANNOUNCES FLASH MEDIA SERVER 2
New release solidifies the Flash Platform as the best choice for web video
Amsterdam, Netherlands - September 8, 2005 - Macromedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: MACR) today announced Macromedia Flash Media Server 2, server software that offers a unique combination of traditional streaming media capabilities and a flexible development environment for creating and delivering innovative, interactive media applications. Flash Media Server 2 complements the recently announced Macromedia Flash Professional 8 and Flash Player 8, making the Flash Platform the leading solution for creating and delivering interactive rich-media applications across browsers and operating systems of all kinds. Pioneering media, entertainment, telecommunications, retail, and advertising companies are quickly adopting Macromedia Flash Video to deliver customized, seamless video experiences to millions of viewers worldwide. Macromedia will demonstrate Flash Media Server 2 during the IBC2005 Exhibition at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam, September 9-14 (Hall 7, Stand 118). For more information, please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/fmsannounce.
The Flash Platform delivers a superior web video experience. Today, the vast majority of web video is presented with a bewildering array of options and downloads that stand between a viewer and content. The ubiquity of Flash Player coupled with the new Flash Media Server 2 reliably delivers a hassle free, instant-on video experience across platforms, various connection speeds, and browsers. Publishers can integrate video into their websites and applications with complete control over playback, interactivity, and branding for a seamless experience.
"The Flash Platform is the best way to deliver web video and rich media applications to the widest audience on the Internet," said Tom Hale, senior vice president and general manager, Macromedia. "For streaming video integrated into the web experience, there is no better choice than Flash Media Server 2."
Flash Media Server 2 is the foundation for delivering both recorded and live Flash Video in large-scale deployments such as video on demand, live web broadcasts, MP3 streaming, video blogging, and video/audio chat applications. The new release introduces new scalable Edge-Origin servers, an optional, enterprise-ready architecture that simplifies load balancing, failover, and clustering to ensure greater reliability and scalability of streaming rich interactive experiences even during peak traffic times. Flash Media Server 2 has a unique programmable streaming environment that includes a robust API for precise code control over media streams, assets, and features—like custom interactivity, user authentication, and bandwidth detection—to deliver truly distinct user experiences. Flash Media Server 2 video experiences take advantage of the new high-quality video codec in Flash Player 8, complete with automatic detection of the client’s bandwidth connection and capability to adjust the stream accordingly.
"At HGTVPro, our main challenge is to create an engaging broadband video application that can accommodate the evolving needs of the end-user and those of our advertisers," said Tim O'Hare, Flash developer, Scripps Networks. "Using Macromedia Flash Media Server 2 with Macromedia Flash Professional gives us the advantage of creating and presenting HGTVPro's broad range of interactive content to our audience. Flash Media Server 2 now provides enhanced new options for streaming Flash Video, letting us deploy a greater array of content that can be viewed across multiple platforms. With the most interactivity and creative control, Flash Video offers online content that just isn't possible through any other media player."
Flash Media Server operates across standard Windows or Linux servers, and integrates with existing databases, and web and data services. Expanded extensibility functionality enables customers to manage XML-based media meta-data, access local system resources, and control logging and reporting for tighter integration with existing media ingest and management systems.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Macromedia Flash Media Server 2 pricing is based on configuration and number of licenses. Prices start at $4,500 for a two-CPU configuration Professional Edition license. Expected to ship in October, Flash Media Server 2 is the next generation of Macromedia Flash Communication Server. Customers with current Flash Communication Server maintenance contracts are entitled to free upgrades to Flash Media Server 2. The Flash Media Server 2 public beta will be available in September. To learn more, please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/fmsannounce.
Flash Media Server 2 is also available through select hosting providers to customers who prefer to outsource their media deployments. To learn more about these programs, please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/fvss.
ABOUT MACROMEDIA
Experience matters. Macromedia is motivated by the belief that great experiences build great businesses. Our software empowers millions of business users, developers, and designers to create and deliver effective, compelling, and memorable experiences — on the Internet, on fixed media, on wireless, and on digital devices.
