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March 25, 2004 --
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Main Stories
o EU
Hands Microsoft Largest Fine in European History
o Major
League Baseball Pondering Public Offering for Internet Unit
o
Report: 2003 Online-Capable Console Video Game Sales Totaled $1
Billion
o
Mobile Music Recognition Firm Shazam Raises $5 Million
o Video Game Distribution
Provider Boonty.com Raises $2.4 Million
o IGN/GameSpy to Power Online
Titles for THQ, LucasArts
o Microsoft Releases Video Game
Development Software Platform
> DMW Announcements:
--DMW Events
Games & Mobile Forum - Confirmed Speakers &
Pre-Registration
--Digital Media Law Report -
Available Now - Volume 2 - February/March > Featured
Advertisement:
--The Venture Forum Thursday, April 1, 2004 in Beverly Hills, California
--PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
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o
Briefly Noted: Singapore -
online games, Verizon Wireless - mobile entertainment deals, Versaly
- UltraStar Entertainment, InfoSpace Mobile - Corbis - Universal
Music Group, Sorrent - Kuju Wireless, MSNBC.com - Kanoodle, Lulu.com,
GameOn NY
>
Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Sales Executives
--Senior Account Executive or Director - PR
--Senior Marketing Writer
--Technical Project Manager with Vision
--Account Manager
--NARIP Panel: "Digitizing the Record Industry" - March 30, 2004
--AeA/Stanford Executive Institute: August 8-18
--Contracting with the Department of Homeland Security Forum -
May 11-12
--Reach Federal Contractors Selling
Technologies for Homeland Security
--Best Cities, Best Job Growth Performers: Where Should
You Be?
--Boost Your Brand with the BrandMAP Program
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o EU Hands Microsoft Largest Fine in
European History
Brussels -- The European Union has ordered Microsoft to pay $606
million for breaking EU antitrust law -- the largest fine meted out
by the EU to a company in history. "Dominant companies have a
special responsibility to ensure that the way they do business
doesn't prevent competition on the merits and does not harm
consumers and innovation," European Competition Commissioner Mario
Monti said. "Today's decision restores the conditions for fair
competition ... and establishes clear principles for the future
conduct of a company with such a strong dominant position." The U.S.
software giant now must unbundle its Windows Media player within the
next three months, as well as provide rivals with "complete and
accurate" information in the next four months. Microsoft said it
would appeal the decision, a move that could drag out the case until
2009, analysts say. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said that while he
respected the commission's authority, he believed the ruling would
actually reduce consumer choice and hurt European software
developers. "If you compare the Commission's action with the
settlement we proposed, it's clear that our settlement would have
offered far more choices and benefits to consumers," he said.
Microsoft rival RealNetworks, which has filed a $1 billion antitrust
suit against Microsoft over its Windows Media Player bundling,
called the decision "fundamentally significant because the European
Commission has formally declared that Microsoft's media player
bundling strategy is illegal and has established the guideposts for
future bundling cases."
http://makeashorterlink.com/?V236424D7
http://makeashorterlink.com/?A296124D7
http://news.com.com/2009-1016_3-5178068.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040324/sfw069_1.html
_____________________________________________
o Major League
Baseball Pondering Public Offering for Internet Unit
New York -- Major League Baseball (MLB) is considering a public
offering for its Internet streaming business that could potentially
raise several hundred million dollars, people involved with the plan
told The New York Times. The league's Major League Baseball Advanced
Media unit has in recent years stepped up its offering of live and
archived video and audio coverage of baseball games on the Internet.
One analyst estimate valued the unit, which is owned equally by the
30 MLB teams, at $1 billion. Yesterday, MLB announced a two-year,
$40 million deal with Microsoft to serve as its streaming partner to
deliver games online. "The company has been successful sooner than
anticipated and earned a profit a year earlier than we expected,"
MLB president Bob DuPuy told The Times. "But no decision [regarding
a floatation] has been made, taken to the commissioner or taken to
the clubs."
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/23/sports/baseball/23SAND.html
http://www.mlb.com
_____________________________________________
o Report: 2003
Online-Capable Console Video Game Sales Totaled $1 Billion
Port Washington, N.Y. -- U.S. retail sales of console video games
with online components exceeded $1 billion in 2003, a 167% increase
over 2002, according to data from New York-based market research
firm NPD Group. Since the category's introduction in 2000,
online-capable console video games have sold over 33 million units,
bringing in over $1.5 billion. "In some cases, consumers aren't
necessarily aware they're buying games with online capabilities, but
whether they're aware or they aren't, the onus falls in the laps of
the software developers to provide games with multiple playability
features," said NPD's Richard Ow. The firm found that in 2003,
online-capable sports titles generated the largest market share with
51%, followed by shooter (22%), racing (15%) and roleplaying (4%)
titles.
http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_040324.htm
____________________________________________
o Mobile Music
Recognition Firm Shazam Raises $5 Million
London -- U.K.-based mobile music-recognition company Shazam
Entertainment announced that it has received a further $5 million in
a funding round led by new investor DN Capital and IDG Ventures
Europe, an investor from two earlier rounds. As part of the
investment, Shazam said DN Capital's Nenad Marovac would join the
company's board of directors. "Shazam has leapt forward in the past
12 months, and to capitalise on the remarkable progress in
establishing our music recognition services worldwide, we decided to
raise additional funds to accelerate growth further," said CEO Jerry
Roest. The company said the funding would also be used for expansion
into non-consumer areas like broadcast monitoring, royalty tracking
and information services for the music industry. Just last April,
the company secured more than 6 million euro ($7.3 million) in a
funding round led by IDG Ventures Europe and Lynx Capital Ventures.
http://www.shazamentertainment.com/home.shtml
____________________________________________
o Video Game
Distribution Provider Boonty.com Raises $2.4 Million
Paris -- Boonty.com, developer of a video game downloading platform
for Internet portals and ISPs, announced on Wednesday that it has
raised $2.4 million from private investors and funds from OTC Asset
Management. Founded in 2001, Paris-based Boonty's technology
distributes games from providers including Atari, Ubisoft and
Acclaim through customers including Yahoo, Wanadoo, T-Online,
Tiscali and Virgin. The company will use the funds to continue its
international expansion.
http://www.boonty.com/rub7/Prfiles/Boonty_VC_EN.htm
____________________________________________
o IGN/GameSpy
to Power Online Titles for THQ, LucasArts
San Jose, Calif. -- IGN/GameSpy, a provider of online gaming
technology services and publisher of video game news and reviews
sites, announced on Wednesday deals with game developers THQ and
LucasArts to develop and enhance online gameplay for their titles.
For both companies, San Francisco-based IGN/GameSpy will provide
software development kits that enable online matchmaking, community,
administrative and networking functions, in addition to file hosting
and beta testing services. The first THQ title to feature GameSpy
online support is its "Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior" for PC and
PlayStation 2; GameSpy will also manage online components for
LucasArts' "Star Wars: Battlefront" for PC and PlayStation 2, and
"Star Wars: Republic Commando" for PC. IGN/GameSpy also on Wednesday
announced the launch of GamerMetrics, a service that will track
awareness, purchase intent and competitive product relationships for
video games. Data for GamerMetrics will be culled from real-time
observation of the gaming audience's interest in specific games on
the company's network of gaming sites.
http://www.gamespy.net
http://www.thq.com
http://www.lucasarts.com
____________________________________________
o Microsoft
Releases Video Game Development Software Platform
San Jose, Calif. -- Microsoft on Wednesday launched its XNA video
game development platform, software designed to lower production
costs developers of games for Microsoft's Xbox, as well as its
Windows PC and Windows Mobile operating systems. As part of XNA,
Microsoft said it will make Xbox Live billing and matchmaking tools
available to developers, in addition to developing a common
controller design for use across multiple platforms. The company
will also port several Xbox development tools for Windows-based game
developers and vice versa.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040324/sfw008_1.html
http://www.microsoft.com/xna
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> DMW Events:
2nd
Annual
GAMES & MOBILE FORUM
April 15,
2004
|
New York City
www.gamesandmobile.com
OVERVIEW
Games & Mobile Forum is 1-day executive forum focused on business
and technology developments impacting games and mobile
entertainment. In 2003, leading executives from entertainment
and technology companies including, Yahoo! Games, AOL Games,
Atari, Acclaim, Warner Bros. Online, AtomShockwave, CNET,
Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Endeavor Agency, Mythic
Entertainment and Digital Bridges participated in a series of
panels on topics, including "Mobile Games: The Coming Wireless
Revolution", "Developing Games Based on Film, Television & Music
Properties and Visa-Versa"", and "Advergames: Recent Developments
& Opportunities".
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Greg Ballard -
CEO, Sorrent
John Welch - Chair, IGDA Online Games SIG,
VP, AtomShockwave
CONFIRMED
SPEAKERS
Jeff Anderson -
President & CEO, Turbine Entertainment
Matthew Bellows - VP, Mobile
Entertainment, GameSpot
Matt Bromberg - GM, AOL Games
Gordon Bellamy - former
Exec. Dir.,
Academy of Interactive Arts & Science
Mike Cartabiano - President, Sennari Mobile
Greg Costikyan -
Chief Creative Officer, Unplugged Inc.
Lee Crawford - Editor, IGDA Mobile Games whitepaper
Ron DiNicola - Partner,
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
Michael Dowling -
VP, Business Development, Nielsen Entertainment
Andrew Elliott - Head of Bus.
Dev. & Strategies,
Ent.
& Media,
Nokia Americas
Keith Ferrazzi - CEO, YaYa Media
Mark Friedler - CEO,
Gigex, Inc./GameDAILY LLC
Stewart
Halpern - Managing
Director, Digital Ent.
Research, RBC
Capital Markets
Todd Herman -
Streaming Evangelist,
MSNBC.com
Mark Jacobstein
- President & COO, Digital Chocolate
Paul Jensen - VP,
Strategic Alliances, Sony Pictures Digital Networks
Scott Jensen - VP, Bus. Development, Media & Entertainment,
Mforma Group
Scott Johnson -
President, MENT (Mobility
Entertainment)
John Kilcullen - President & Publisher,
Billboard Information Group
Garry Kitchen -
President/CEO, Skyworks Technologies, Inc.
Joseph Laszlo - Senior Analyst, Broadband & Wireless,
Jupiter Research
Matt Railo - Partner, IP & Technology, Mitchell Silberberg
& Knupp LLP
Brian Robbins - Editor, IGDA Downloadable Games whitepaper
Jason Rubinstein
- GM, Ubi.com, Ubisoft
Don Ryan - Studio Manager, Microsoft's Zone.com
Mika Salmi,
CEO,
AtomShockwave
Dan Scherlis - CEO, Etherplay
Mike Skagerlind -
SVP & GM, Nickelodeon Online
Ned Sherman - CEO & Co-Founder, Digital Media Wire
Alex St. John - CEO
& Co-Founder, Wild Tangent
Joseph Varet - Vice President, Groove Alliance
more to come..
REGISTRATION
Pre-Registration: $ 295 (until April 9)
Registration: $ 395 (after April 9)
Online :
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1060
Phone: 323-822-0936
To
submit speakers for the 2004 conferences, please send a bio and
photo (optional) to Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital
Media Wire, Inc. at
tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
Digital
Media Law Report
New Featured Section
- Volume
2 - 2004
We are pleased to announce that we have added a "Featured
Section" to Digital Media Law & Policy Report.
We will use this
section to provide in depth coverage of certain cases, events and
policy developments each month.
This month's featured coverage includes reports on
the
transcript of Ned Sherman's interview of RIAA General Counsel
Steven Marks at Digital Music Forum in New York City on March 1.
Subscriptions
-
Order
Volume 2 - February/March 2004 Report - 43 pages
-
Order
Past Events
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Sponsorship Materials
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Partners & Clients
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> Featured Advertisement:
> The Venture Forum Thursday, April 1, 2004
in Beverly Hills, California
Don't miss the largest showcase of cutting-edge companies in
Southern California! See the 50 most innovative companies, in all
sectors from wireless to digital media. See companies in all stages,
from startup to pre-IPO. Network with hundreds of leading investors,
from angels to investment banks.
http://www.theventureforum.com
(Digital Media Wire readers can use code
DMW2984 for a 25% discount)
___________________
> PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
Purchase the book every entertainment and media executive must
have. The PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media
Outlook: 2003-2007 analyzes key trends and forecasts spending in
the U.S. and Canada across 14 industry segments, including a
Global Overview that forecasts spending and analyzes trends
worldwide (also sold separately).
More
Information
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o Briefly Noted: (San Jose,
Calif.) The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)
announced on Wednesday the launch of a "Games Bazaar," a regional
hosting platform that allows games publishers and distributors to
deploy their game titles in the region without facing time-consuming
and high initial capital costs. The IDA said that, along with
technology and hosting providers SingTel and Hewlett Packard
Singapore, the Games Bazaar will help companies defray up to 80% of
hosting costs during their first six months of operation in the Asia
Pacific region. The Games Bazaar is one feature of a $22 million
joint project between Singapore and Hewlett Packard to develop grid
and utility computing.
http://www.ida.gov.sg
(Atlanta) Verizon Wireless on Wednesday announced a bevy of new
mobile entertainment content services, including deals to provide
master clip ringtones from major record labels Sony Music, EMI and
BMG. The company launched the "Sony Music Box" ringtone offering, in
addition to EMI and BMG ringtones through an agreement with Faith
West. Verizon will also now offer "Pac-Man" video game-themed
ringtones through a deal with game developer Namco. Airborne
Entertainment's "Snowboard Park Tycoon" wireless game will now be
available to Verizon subscribers, as well as a new surfing forecast
service created by action sports firm Surfline and wireless firm
Ninja Mobile.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040324/nyw019_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040324/sfw049_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040324/nyw012_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040324/nyw017_1.html
http://www.airborne-e.com
http://www.surfline.com/wireless
http://www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow
(Seattle) Mobile entertainment publisher Versaly Entertainment
announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with music industry
online marketing firm UltraStar Entertainment, whose clients include
Sting, David Bowie and the Rolling Stones. Under the agreement,
Seattle-based Versaly will create ringtones and screensavers, in
addition to SMS alerts for concert notifications, artist camera
phone moblogs and other mobile products for fan club members.
http://www.versaly.com
http://www.ultrastar.com
(Bellevue, Wash.) InfoSpace Mobile, a provider of wireless
content and delivery services, announced that it has partnered with
online professional image archive Corbis on a service to distribute
image and video-based products to mobile phones. Separately,
Bellevue, Wash.-based InfoSpace said that it has signed an agreement
with Universal Music Group to become a distributor of TruTones audio
ringtones to Universal's wireless partners.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040323/235308_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040323/235343_1.html
http://www.corbis.com
http://www.infospace.com
(San Mateo, Calif.) Mobile game publisher Sorrent announced on
Wednesday that it will publish three of European developer Kuju
Wireless' titles for the U.S. market. San Mateo, Calif.-based
Sorrent said Kuju's "Spy Shootout," "Lotus Challenge: City Racing"
and "Ambi Stacks" will launch in the coming months on major U.S.
wireless carriers.
http://www.kujuwireless.com
http://www.sorrent.com
(New York) News site MSNBC.com said on Wednesday that it has
signed an agreement with Kanoodle to become its exclusive provider
of content-targeted sponsored links. New York-based Kanoodle's
technology places sponsored links based on their relevance to actual
Web content contained in the text of MSNBC news features and
information on health, sports, entertainment and technology.
http://www.msnbc.com
http://www.kanoodle.com
(Research Triangle Park, N.C.) Lulu.com, a provider of on-demand
publishing tools for self-publishing authors, said on Wednesday that
authors have self-published over 4,000 paperback titles in the last
six months using its system, which now adds 200 new titles per week.
North Carolina-based Lulu.com does not provide editing, marketing or
other publishing services, but lets authors retain control over
royalty rates and republishing rights while taking a 20% commission
on book sales.
http://www.lulu.com
(New York) GameOn NY, a division of Expo International, announced
on Wednesday its intention to launch a new consumer video game show
in November at New York's Madison Square Garden. The expo will allow
attendees to try new and unreleased video game products and compete
in cash and prize-based tournaments, in addition to featuring live
music and celebrity appearances. The GameOn NY advisory board
includes former Sony and Sega executive Bernie Stolar and Acclaim
president Paul Eibeler.
http://www.gameonny.com
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>
Classifieds:
> Sales Executives
Allied Telecom Group, a rapidly growing regional broadband and
metro Ethernet provider, is seeking experienced sales executives
to sell our Internet and transport solutions to organizations in
the DC metropolitan area. Allied is a customer-focused company
that values integrity and excellence in all that we do. We
provide an aggressive compensation and benefits package. Please
send resumes to
excellence@alliedtelecom.net
___________________
> Senior Account Executive or Director - PR
mPRm Public Relations, a leading entertainment, technology and
lifestyle and firm, is experiencing growth and has an opening for
a senior account executive or director in its award-winning
Emerging Media and Technology practice. Candidates should have 5+
years exp. and have the ability to manage their own
technology-driven accounts. Must be adept at developing and
executing strategies for corporate PR campaigns; be proficient
writers and have solid relationships with core trade/business
press/industry analysts.
www.mprm.com Contact:
emtjobs@mprm.com
___________________
> Senior Marketing Writer
Client looking for a Senior Marketing Writer. Applicant must have
Enterprise Application Integration (EAI),write technical
marketing collateral, work well in team environments, 3-5 years
of technical writing experience, Deliver presentations at trade
conferences. Compensation: 80K. Send resumes to
aceemp7@aol.com
___________________
> Technical Project Manager with Vision
Sr. project mgr w/technical skills, acctg knowledge and long-term
vision to oversee reorganization of automated processes into
fully integrated systems. Min 5 years experience including
extensive work with IT project mgmt, client-server and Web-based
systems architecture data modeling tools and acctg information
systems. Must be proficient in Web applications/e-commerce,
Oracle and CRM. Strong programming, analysis and RFP
development/writing skills required. Please email your resume and
salary requirements
dpromise@liscr.com
___________________
> Account Manager
Our client, a hands-on Direct Marketing firm, is seeking a strong
Account Manager with an DM Agency background. All candidates
should have five plus years working in a analytical, marketing
services environment with exposure to creative development.
Candidates also require a history of day-to-day, strategic
account services working on known consumer and
business-to-business clients. Strong salary package along with
healthy bonus for the right candidate. Send resumes to
info@market-search.net
___________________
> NARIP Panel: "Digitizing the Record Industry" - March 30,
2004
The National Association of Record Industry Professionals
presents "Digitizing the Record Industry: Retail Realities & The
Road to Profits", a panel discussion on Tuesday, March 30, 2004
in Los Angeles. Digital Media Wire has arranged for a limited
number of free passes for its subscribers, available on a
first-come, first-served basis. When: Tues., March 30, 2004 -
6:30 PM Cocktails/ 7:30 PM Panel Discussion Where: Beverly
Garland's Holiday Inn - Studio City, CA More info:
www.narip.com. To claim your
free pass, email
tinzar@digitalmediawire.com with "DIGITIZING THE RECORD
INDUSTRY" in the subject line.
___________________
> AeA/Stanford Executive Institute: August 8-18
Learn strategic business practices from the world's best
educators & industry leaders! Tackle critical issues facing tech
companies & study six key topics: Management, Entrepreneurship,
Operations, Marketing, Organization, Finance & Accounting.
Outside of class, create and present a business plan to venture
capitalists through the unique New Venture Lab exercise. Apply
online by April 1 at
http://www.aeanet.org/sei & save $1500.
___________________
> Contracting with the Department of Homeland Security Forum -
May 11-12
BNA's 2nd Annual Contracting with the Department of Homeland
Security forum will feature the CIO from the Transportation
Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security,
and at least five other top officials at the Department on
Homeland Security and more!
Last year's sold-out forum had an overwhelming response, so
register today at:
http://www.homeland-conference.com/
___________________
> Reach Federal Contractors Selling Technologies for Homeland
Security
The 2003-2004 Directory of Homeland Security has complete
listings for 532 companies selling technologies and services
devoted to homeland defense. Nearly all major federal contractors
are included in the section, which includes company names, key
personnel, addresses, phone and fax numbers, urls, annual
revenues, number of employees, business sector, general
descriptions and homeland security relevance. To order the
2003-2004 edition,
click here.
___________________
> Best Cities, Best Job Growth Performers: Where Should You
Be?
As the economy rebounds, some localities are ahead of the curve
and some are hoping better economic news will bring them out of
an extended slump. Which areas are performing well and helping
local businesses thrive despite difficult economic times? Is your
area helping you succeed or holding you back? Click here for a
full rundown:
http://www.e-country.org/techwire.htm
___________________
> Boost Your Brand with the BrandMAP Program
Public i and Kore Image have merged their proven expertise in
brand strategy, marketing, and public relations to launch
BrandMAP - a focused branding assessment and planning solution.
BrandMAP is a three-phase program, designed to help companies
strengthen the positioning, identity, and expression of their
brands. Send inquiries to
brandmap@publicipartners.com Visit
http://www.koreimage.com
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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and
events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000.
Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on
business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and
read by over 30,000 executives and professionals. To
subscribe for free, please
click here.
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an
international network of publications that includes Digital Media
Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech
Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech
Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70
countries each business day.
Advertising & Sponsorship
Publications, Events & Information
Executive & Editorial Team
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger
Contact Us
Questions, Comments & Suggestions
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Copyright 2004 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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