Microsoft introduces NetShow
Microsoft introduced the beta version of NetShow, its platform for delivering live and on-demand multimedia across IP networks.
Historical context
Streaming had become important enough for major software vendors to build complete media-delivery stacks rather than simply support third-party players. Businesses were also adopting TCP/IP intranets, creating a market for internal live presentations, training and corporate broadcasting.
What happened
NetShow was designed to distribute audio, video and synchronized multimedia over intranets and the Internet. Microsoft emphasized support for live broadcasts, on-demand programming and IP multicast, positioning NetShow as infrastructure that organizations could deploy on Windows-based networks.
Consequences
NetShow established Microsoft as a major participant in streaming-media infrastructure. The technology evolved through later Microsoft streaming products and ultimately became part of the lineage that led to Windows Media services and formats.
Related people
Sources
- Microsoft Introduces NetShow, A Platform for Delivering Multimedia Content Over IntranetsMicrosoft
- Microsoft Corp. v Commission of the European Communities, Case T-201/04EUR-Lex / Court of First Instance of the European Communities