Microsoft Connected Services Framework Solution Deployed at Sony Pictures Entertainment

Microsoft Connected Services Framework Solution Deployed at Sony Pictures Entertainment

Microsoft Solution Enables Sony Pictures to Create an Integrated Media Environment, Boosting Productivity and Reducing Costs

LAS VEGAS, April 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at the National Association of Broadcasters convention, NAB2005, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced that Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is implementing the Microsoft(R) Connected Services Framework. SPE is the first company in the broadcast and film industries to adopt and deploy Microsoft's solution, and is now running the Connected Services Framework in a live application environment.

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The Microsoft Connected Services Framework is a flexible and customizable product that uses a service-oriented architecture (SOA) approach to build an interoperable, manageable and scalable infrastructure of shared services such as digital asset management and content distribution processes. These shared services connect existing technology to support a dynamic production process across organizational boundaries. Built on proven Microsoft platform technologies and using industry standards such as Extensible Markup Language (XML), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and Web Services Description Language (WSDL), the Microsoft Connected Services Framework is enabling SPE to enhance its existing SOA infrastructure and build a connected system that allows digital marketing assets to move seamlessly across once-disparate platforms and applications.

"By implementing the Microsoft Connected Services Framework, Sony Pictures Entertainment has been able to extend our existing production environment to enable new services, increase interoperability, improve workflow management, and reduce costs," said Jerry Ledbetter, vice president of Digital Media Initiatives for Sony Pictures Entertainment.

The Microsoft Connected Services Framework enabled SPE to deploy on a scale that met its immediate requirements for a connected production environment and, at the same time, established a foundation that will enable it to expand shared processes and enhance its SOA environment. Through this implementation, SPE now can seamlessly connect the workflow across the company, streamlining marketing production processes and enabling access to associated digital content from virtually anywhere. The scalability of the Microsoft Connected Services Framework will allow SPE to easily roll out capabilities and benefits broadly and cost-effectively to internal departments and marketing production partners around the world.

"As the migration to digital media accelerates in the broadcast and film industries, companies like Sony Pictures Entertainment face significant challenges in connecting digital systems across the enterprise -- challenges that the Microsoft Connected Services Framework addresses head on," said Maria Martinez, corporate vice president for the Communications Sector at Microsoft. "Sony Pictures Entertainment's implementation of the Microsoft Connected Services Framework highlights how our solution addresses these critical issues, enabling film and broadcast companies to streamline business and production processes, from creation to management and delivery of the final product."

About Microsoft Connected Services Framework

The Microsoft Connected Services Framework is an integrated, server-based software solution for building and managing services using a service-oriented architecture.

For media and entertainment organizations, the Connected Services Framework provides an SOA to manage how disparate applications work together to help companies streamline the creation, management and delivery of content.

For telecommunications operators and service providers, the Connected Services Framework allows them to aggregate, provision and manage converged communications services for their subscribers across multiple networks and a range of device types.

The Connected Services Framework can simplify how content owners and operators work together to deliver fresh new content to a broad audience of consumers. With the Connected Services Framework, companies across the content and service delivery value chain can reduce the cost and time of integration, get more from their existing infrastructure, and generate additional revenue streams through new services and content.

More information about the Connected Services Framework for media and entertainment companies can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/resources/mediaandentertainment/solutions_connected_s ervices_framework.mspx .

More information about the Connected Services Framework for service providers can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/serviceproviders/solutions/csf.mspx .

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/ .

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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CONTACT: Jason Wellcome of Weber Shandwick, +1-425-452-5400, or jwellcome@webershandwick.com, for Microsoft Corp.

Web site: http://www.sonypictures.com/

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/

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