Microsoft today announced the availability of Microsoft Mediaroom, an update to its Internet Protocol television (IPTV) software platform. While Apple is coming at Internet TV from an end user perspective with its Apple TV/iTunes platform, Microsoft is targeting the lucrative service provider market.

Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president, Microsoft TV Business, right, offered his thoughts on the introduction.
“Microsoft Mediaroom is the latest update to Microsoft TV‚Äôs award-winning IPTV software platform”, said Rodrquez. “As the digital TV services market continues to grow, service providers will search for competitive differentiators that set them apart in terms of features and overall consumer experience.”

“The platform introduces several new features that unlock the potential of TV, such as personal media sharing, connecting the TV to a PC, accessing and enjoying digital pictures or songs ‚Äì all on the big screen,” adds Rodriquez. “The platform also offers richer support for Web services and applications, enabling service providers to deploy applications, such as dynamic video-on-demand portals, casual games and interactive TV services.”

Why is Internet Television Hot?

Rodriguez also offered his thoughts on the Internet television industry as a whole.

“A few years back, when Microsoft first unveiled its IPTV vision, there was skepticism not only around the potential of the technology, but also service providers‚Äô interest and ability to deliver and market it. Now we are entering a phase where not only are they deploying our platform, but they are using it to differentiate their offerings in markets around the world.”

“Internet Protocol television is one of the key pillars of the current entertainment foundation service providers are working to build. If you look at just a few of the industry parameters and the analysts‚Äô predictions about IPTV, there is no doubt that this pillar is becoming indispensable for telecommunications companies’ overall business strategy.”

“Gartner predicts the number of IPTV subscribers will skyrocket, rising from 3 million in 2005 to 50 million in 2010. This is a huge opportunity for us, our partners and customers. We already have a good foundation — our plan is to take this a step further and increase the rate of innovation with new services and scenarios. This is a very exciting time to be in this industry.”