Microsoft and Sonic Foundry Announce Beta Release of New Content Creation Tool For Windows Media Technologies

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — At Streaming Media '98 Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today publicly demonstrated Microsoft[R] Windows[R] Media On-Demand Producer, a powerful and easy-to-use authoring tool for streaming media. The new tool, released for public beta testing today, was codeveloped by Microsoft and Sonic Foundry, Inc. (AMEX: SFO) and will be included with the Microsoft Windows Media Technologies streaming media platform.

As the market for streaming media content continues its rapid growth, developers require tools that are rich and comprehensive, yet extremely easy to use. Designed for both experienced and novice streaming media Web developers, Windows Media On-Demand Producer delivers production and encoding features for Internet and intranet content developers deploying media content in areas such as news, entertainment, and training. For example, Web developers with existing download-and-play content can use Windows Media On-Demand Producer to easily convert WAV and AVI files to the Advanced Streaming Format (ASF) for streaming to Windows Media Player. This simple process enables end users to play the content immediately, providing a superior viewing or listening experience.

"Developers are rapidly adopting Windows Media Technologies as the foundation for delivering rich communications to their customers," said Tod Nielsen, General Manager of the Developer Relations Group at Microsoft. "The addition of Windows Media On-Demand Producer to the Windows Media Technologies platform will make it even easier for developers to create and deliver compelling content for their audience."

"We expect Windows Media On-Demand Producer to open the market to all media content developers who want to take advantage of streaming media," said Curtis Palmer, Chief Technology Officer at Sonic Foundry. "The Windows Media Technologies platform has the scalability and functionality to deliver compelling media content today. Sonic Foundry is committed to developing and providing leading media authoring tools to the content creation industry."

Features of the Windows Media On-Demand Producer

Windows Media On-Demand Producer is an authoring tool for encoding WAV and AVI files into the ASF file format for playback by Windows Media Player. The application incorporates a visual production environment that allows rapid media placement and manipulation, and it provides encoding of media files at varying data transfer rates, ranging from low-speed dial-up connections to high-speed broadband connections. In addition, the tool simplifies the process of integrating video into a Web site by automatically generating HTML pages with the embedded Windows Media Player. The combination of Windows Media On-Demand Producer and the Windows Media Technologies platform makes it easier to create and distribute new or existing content as streaming media.

Windows Media On-Demand Producer incorporates technologies from Sonic Foundry's award-winning line of audio media products. The application includes audio and video visual tracks, marker and command inserts and edits, and basic batch processing for simple and efficient encoding. Video effects include brightness and fade controls, as well as video preview windows to give developers fine-grained control over the encoding process. Sonic Foundry's audio processing capabilities are also incorporated in the form of simple controls, resulting in crisp, clear audio at low data rates.

Availability

The beta release of Windows Media On-Demand Producer is available for free download from the Microsoft Web site at www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/tools/odproducer.asp. (Connect-time charges may apply.) The final release of this new encoding tool is expected in early 1999 and will be a no-charge addition to the Windows Media tools available today on the Microsoft Windows Media Technologies Web site.

About Windows Media Technologies

Microsoft Windows Media Technologies, including Windows Media Player, Windows NTR Server NetShow[TM] Services and NetShow Theater Server, provide corporate, education, and Internet customers with a platform for developing richer business and entertainment solutions using streaming media. More information can be found at www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/. Windows Media Player is available for free download at www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/download/. (Connect-time charges may apply.)

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The Company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

NOTE: Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, NetShow, and DirectX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE: Microsoft Corp.