archives

o E-Publishing Technology Provider iUniverse Raises $21 Million
o Music Publishers Grant Musicbank License For On-Demand Streaming Service
o Instant Messaging Provider Odigo Raises $15 Million in Second Round
o Digital Media Design Firm Thoughtbubble Raises $4 Million in First Round
o Digital Publisher Sunhawk.com Lays Off 67% of Employees
o Digital Media Infrastructure Provider Loudeye Lays Off 18% of Staff
o Interactive TV Developer ACTV Acquires Ad Technology Developer VisionTel
o Online Games Firm Gamecom To Acquire Arcade Game Maker Global VR
o Streamedia Acquires Corporate Broadband Service Provider eLeaders
> Digital Media Wire Networking Event: Future of Music Policy Summit
o Briefly Noted: iLive.com - The WEB Theatre, RealNetworks - Game
Developers, DreamWorks Records - Listen.com, PenguinRadio - JB Design, Cox
Radio - StreamAudio
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> Job Postings: Account Executive, Sr. Copywriter, Account Executive/Sr.
Account Executive, SW & FPGA Engineers, Market Technology Manager, Account Manager

> Events: Master the Technology, Potomac Tech Wire Seminar Series, iHollywood Forum

Full Job/Event descriptions listed below "Briefly Noted" section or at
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/postings.html

To Post a Job: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html
To Post an Event: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html
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o E-Publishing Technology Provider iUniverse Raises $21 Million

Campbell, Calif. -- iUniverse, a provider of e-publishing technology,
announced on Wednesday that it has raised $21 million in its latest round
of venture capital financing. The investment comes from Warburg Pincus,
which also said that it has "reserved additional capital for future
investment in the company." Campbell-based iUniverse will use the funds to
expand the development of its technology. The company's technology allows
users to store content files in a "format neutral" repository, and easily
format the content for different electronic devices and for output to
print-on-demand facilities. It also enables users to re-purpose existing
content when new distribution formats emerge. The company's partners
include Barnes & Noble and Publishers Group West.
http://www.iuniverse.com/b2b/media/content.asp?id=12404&cid=61
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o Music Publishers Grant Musicbank License For On-Demand Streaming Service

San Francisco -- Musicbank, a provider of on-demand streaming of personal
music collections from digital lockers, announced on Wednesday that it has
signed a three-year licensing agreement with the Harry Fox Agency, the
collection arm of the National Music Publishers' Association. The
agreement sets an undisclosed guaranteed royalty rate paid to publishers
for songs streamed on Musicbank's service. "We are extremely pleased to
have structured this partnership with NMPA and HFA," said Musicbank CEO
Michael Downing, "and anticipate offering the Musicbank service to content
owners and music fans everywhere very soon." The company has sought and
secured agreements with all of the major record labels and performance
rights organizations for the service, which will allow users to listen to
streaming versions of songs from CDs they have purchased. San
Francisco-based Musicbank's service will compete with MP3.com's
My.MP3.com.
http://www.musicbank.com
http://www.nmpa.org
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o Instant Messaging Provider Odigo Raises $15 Million in Second Round

New York -- Odigo, a provider of instant messaging software, announced
that it has raised $15 million in its second round of financing. Lazard
Technology Partners led the investment round; Fenway Partners, Comverse
Technology and existing shareholders also contributed. New York-based
Odigo provides instant messaging software to corporate clients in addition
to a consumer version of its application. Odigo successfully integrated
its software with America Online's instant messaging software several
times, only to have it blocked each time by the company. AOL's reluctance
to open its instant messaging application to rival companies such as
Odigo, Microsoft's MSN and Yahoo's Messenger is a key factor in the
Federal Communications Commission's approval of the merger between AOL and
Time Warner, which may be decided this week.
http://www.odigo.com/news/01-09-01.html
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o Digital Media Design Firm Thoughtbubble Raises $4 Million in First Round

New York -- Thoughtbubble digital media, a web design firm for new media
companies, announced on Wednesday that it has raised $4 million in its
first round of venture capital financing from Formula Systems. The
investor will take an undisclosed minority stake in the company. New
York-based Thoughtbubble designs broadband consumer websites for clients
including Media One, Lions Gate Films, Rainbow Media Holdings and Sony
Pictures Digital Entertainment. The company will use the funds to increase
its sales, marketing and business development efforts.
http://www.thoughtbubble.com
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o Digital Publisher Sunhawk.com Lays Off 67% of Employees

Seattle -- Sunhawk.com, a provider of digital media services and rights
management for electronic publishing, announced on Wednesday that it will
lay off 67 percent of its employees as part of a restructuring effort. The
company said it is also considering a sale of its digital sheet music
business. "There are real people behind these layoffs and these were not
easy decisions," said Marlin Eller, president and CEO of Sunhawk.com.
"However, we are ready to move forward with our plans to build this
company and maximize shareholder value." Seattle-based Sunhawk.com offers
customized software, web development and database design services in
addition to its digital rights management software. In November the
company acquired Copyright Control Systems, a provider of digital asset
management and reporting services for copyright holders.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010110/wa_sunhawk.html
http://www.sunhawk.com
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o Digital Media Infrastructure Provider Loudeye Lays Off 18% of Staff

Seattle -- Loudeye Technologies, an infrastructure provider for the
digital media industry, announced that it will lay off about 43 employees
-- or 18 percent of its total workforce -- as part of a cost-saving
initiative. The company said it expects to save $3 million annually as a
result of the layoffs. "Although we believe that opportunities for our
digital media solutions remain attractive over the long term, our industry
as a whole continues to work through early market challenges around
copyright, business model and funding concerns," said Dave Bullis,
president and CEO of Loudeye. Seattle-based Loudeye provides encoding,
distribution and syndication services to digital media creators, as well
as a song sample service.
http://www.loudeye.com/news-events/releases/q4-2000_1_9_2001.html
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o Interactive TV Developer ACTV Acquires Ad Technology Developer VisionTel

New York -- ACTV, a developer of interactive television technology,
announced on Wednesday that it has acquired the assets of VisionTel, a
subsidiary of nCUBE Corporation. ACTV and nCUBE will form a new entity,
AdVision Systems, which will focus on developing interactive advertising
and reporting technologies. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
New York-based ACTV develops technology that allows users to interact with
television programs on their computer in real-time. VisionTel parent
company nCUBE is an infrastructure provider for broadband streaming media.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010110/ny_actv_vi.html
http://www.actv.com
http://www.ncube.com
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o Online Games Firm Gamecom To Acquire Arcade Game Maker Global VR

Arlington, Texas -- Gamecom, a developer of interactive Internet games,
announced on Wednesday that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire
Global VR, a manufacturer of PC-based virtual reality arcade games. The
expected terms call for Gamecom to acquire Global VR in a stock-for-stock
or merger transaction. Current Global VR president Milind Bharvirkar will
become CEO of the new, combined company, while GameCom CEO L. Kelly Jones will continue in his role as chairman. Texas-based Gamecom develops
interactive games that are played on networked gaming kiosks. San
Jose-based Global VR's games can be found at arcades including Jillian's,
Dave and Buster's and GameWorks.
http://www.gamecominc.com/Press/January_10_2001.html
http://www.globalvr.com
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o Streamedia Acquires Corporate Broadband Service Provider eLeaders

New York -- Streamedia Communications, Inc., an infrastructure provider
for broadband streaming media companies, announced on Wednesday that it
has acquired eLeaders, Inc., a broadband service provider that offers
hosting and web design services. Under the terms of the transaction,
Streamedia will acquire eLeaders in an undisclosed stock-for-stock
transaction. New York-based Streamedia will market its services to New
York-based eLeaders' roster of over 800 clients, which include Luminant,
OrbitTravel.com and CoolAudio.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010110/ny_streame.html
http://www.streamedia.net
http://www.eleaders.com
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> Digital Media Wire Networking Event: Future of Music Policy Summit

Washington, D.C. -- Digital Media Wire will host its next networking event
on Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at the Future of Music Policy Summit in
Washington, D.C. The event will be for subscribers, conference attendees
and those interested in the convergence of entertainment, technology and
the Internet. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash
bar.

Sponsors:
Morrison & Foerster, LLP
Coalition for the Future of Music

Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2001
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Georgetown University Conference Center
3800 Reservoir Road, NW - Washington, D.C.

To register for the networking event:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/dc.htm

To register for the Future of Music Policy Summit:
http://www.futureofmusic.org/events/summit0101/
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o Briefly Noted:

(Los Angeles) iLive.com, a producer and broadcaster of streaming media,
announced on Wednesday that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire
the assets of The WEB Theatre-Phoenix, a live entertainment venue that
broadcasts music performances on the Internet. Terms of the transaction
were not disclosed. Los Angeles-based iLive.com streams live and on-demand
music performances to users.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010110/ca_ilive_c.html
http://www.ilive.com
http://www.thewebtheatre.com

(Seattle) RealNetworks announced that it has partnered with ten game
developers to create games that users can download from its Real.com
website. The companies are: And Now!, Church of Electronic Entertainment,
Daydream Software, GameHouse, Midas Interactive, Ninai Games Inc., Small
Rockets, Ltd., WEB Corp., Wizbang Software Productions, and Zombie.
"Decent" versions of the games are available for free, but the company
charges users $15 - $20 for more detailed versions, CNET reported.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010109/wa_realnet.html
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-4423592.html

(Los Angeles) DreamWorks Records announced that it has formed a marketing
agreement with Listen.com, to offer users free samplers of "rare material
and web exclusives" from DreamWorks artists online. The tracks come from
artists including Elliott Smith, Papa Roach and Powerman 5000, and are
available in MP3 and Windows Media formats.
http://radio.listen.com/dream
http://www.dreamworksrecords.com

(Washington, D.C.) PenguinRadio, the developer of a Linux-based
stand-alone Internet radio, announced on Wednesday that JB Design -- which
created Empeg's car MP3 player -- as the company that will design its
product. D.C.-based PenguinRadio's device will allow streaming audio
stations to be received without a PC.
http://www.penguinradio.com
http://www.jb-design.com

(Atlanta) Cox Radio announced on Wednesday that Seattle-based streaming
services provider StreamAudio will provide audio streaming and
revenue-sharing ad insertion servies to Cox Radio's 83 terrestrial radio
stations.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010110/ga_cox_rad.html
http://www.coxradio.com
http://www.streamaudio.com

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Job Postings:
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To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html

> Directrix, Account Executive - Los Angeles

Identify and acquire new customers in the Content Provider and .com space.
Digital asset service provider seeks aggressive sales person with content
distribution network knowledge to expand new area of business: primarily
the Adult web site area. Must work independently to exceed revenue targets.
Identify opps., cold call and close target prospects. BA/BS preferred with
5+ years successful, quota carrying, direct high-tech sales experience.
Solution and/or Value Selling training preferred. Send resumes to
lmoutal@directrix.com
http://www.directrix.com
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> FCB Interactive, Sr. Copywriter - Web - New York City

Understand business needs and translate them into artistic solutions,
which are consistent with the brand goals and deliver superior value to
the customer. Work with Art Director to develop concepts and then execute
all copy treatments. Oversee all copy of freelance writers. Present the
work to the client along with the Creative Director. Must be able to
think visually as well as verbally and work with little supervision. Send
resumes to KPicariello@fcb.com (attn: KP-Sr. Copy).
http://www.fcb.com
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> GCI Group, Account Executive/Senior Account Executive - Los Angeles

GCI Group, a leading, global public relations firm, has a great
opportunity to work in our Los Angeles office as a member of the Consumer
Technology team. We are currently seeking an Account Executive and Senior
Account Executive with 2 to 3 years experience in public relations.
Excellent written and communication skills a must. Send resume, cover
letter and salary requirements to Jeri Gardner: jgardner@gcigroup.com
http://www.gcigroup.com
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> Convergent Companies, Inc., SW & FPGA Engineers - Greenbelt, MD

We are developing break-through video compression technologies for the
Internet and are looking for FPGA and Software engineers with 1-8 yrs
experience. BSEE/CS familiarity with C++, image processing, object
programming. FPGA position, exp FPGA programming, DSP architectures esp
w/Xilinx. Check out Employment section of our website for details.
Send resumes to jobs@convergentcompanies.com
http://www.convergentcompanies.com
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> Cambridge Technology Partners, Market Technology Manager - Los Angeles

If you're an experienced, team-oriented technical architect who has a
passion for providing leadership and mentorship to a talented technical
community, ensuring high quality project delivery and supporting business
development efforts, please send us your resume. Broad technical delivery
experience including client/server and Web architectures is required.
Send resumes to Joe Young: jyoung03@ctp.com
http://www.ctp.com
______________________

> pogo.com, Account Manager - Internet Sales - San Francisco

You will be selling Internet advertising and sponsorships on the company's
network of 13 family entertainment websites. Must be creative, motivated
and organized individual who loves to prospect and build long-lasting
business relationships. This position will be responsible for agency and
direct advertiser accounts. Must have 1 to 3 years interactive
advertising sales experience, with 1 to 5 years of other media sales
experience a plus. Send resume and cover letter to resumes@pogo.com
http://www.pogo.com

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Event Postings:
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To Post Events: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html

> Master the Technology that is Changing the World - GW Virginia Campus

The George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science
will hold an informational session at the Virginia Campus in Ashburn from
6-8 p.m. on January 11th . This is a great opportunity to find out about
cutting edge graduate engineering degree programs including: Computer
Security and Information Assurance; Multimedia, Animation, Graphics and
User Interfaces; Software Engineering and Systems; Computer Architecture,
Networks, Parallel and Distributed Computing; Wireless and Mobile
Networks; Telecommunications and Computers. Contact: scason@va.gwu.edu
http://www.seasva.gwu.edu
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> Potomac Tech Wire Seminar Series: Doing Business with Israel

Sponsor: Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue. On Thursday, Jan. 11, Potomac Tech
Wire and Jones Day will host a panel discussion on DC technology firms
doing business with Israel. Panelists include: Daniel Epstein, Executive
Director of US-Israeli Business Exchange; Emanuel Friedman, Chairman and
Co-CEO of Friedman, Billings & Ramsey; Philip Garfunkle, Former President
of Yazam; Stephan Mallenbaum, Partner, Jones Day (Moderator); Additional
Panelists To Be Determined. When: 7:30-8:00 a.m. - Registration and
Breakfast; 8:00-9:30 a.m. - Panel Discussion and Q&A; Where: McLean
Hilton.
To Register for this Event: http://www.potomactechwire.com/Israel.htm
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> iHollywood Forum: How Adult Entertainment Profits From the Internet

Whatever one's attitude toward adult entertainment, one fact is
undeniable: it's the only segment of the entertainment industry that
consistently makes money on the Internet. Panelists include: Larry Flynt,
Publisher of Hustler Magazine; Gail Harris, CEO and President of Falcon
Foto; David Schlesinger, Vice President of Internet Marketing at Vivid
Video; Fred Lane, Author of "Obscene Profits: The Entrepreneurs of
Pornography in the Cyber Age" (Routledge 2000); Mike Rick, Co-founder of
Cybersynergism (Webmaster Superstore for Online Adult Entertainment) and
kSEXRadio.com. When: Wednesday January 17, 6:00 pm-10pm; Where: Santa
Monica Doubletree.
To Register: http://www.ihollywoodforum.com/new/events/jan17_2001.htm
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