Connecting People & Knowledge - Since May 2000
   
Today's Sponsor

 


March 25, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

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
 

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
 


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

Top


 > 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 - Pa
rtner, 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 | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients
 

Top


> 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
 

Top


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

Top


> 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

Top


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
News Tips & Press Releases

Unsubscribe

Top


Copyright 2004 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.