6th Dec 2006 13:28
British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC06 December 2006 Sky and Google unveil broadband alliance First global deployment of Google's suite of world-class search, communications and video tools LONDON, UK, and MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, December 6 2006 - British SkyBroadcasting (Sky), the UK's leading entertainment company, and Google todayannounced plans to work together in bringing ground-breaking web-based servicesto Sky's community of broadband internet customers. The wide-ranging set ofmulti-year agreements sees two of the world's leading innovators in technologyand entertainment join forces to create a compelling and customised experiencefor Sky Broadband customers. Sky will be Google's first partner globally to deploy Google's suite of search,advertising, communications and video services, all of which will be tailoredand branded for Sky's fast-growing broadband platform. Sky aims to ensure thatits broadband customers enjoy the best possible online user experience withcustomised access to the full benefits of Google's evolving suite of innovativeproducts for PC, TV and mobile. Sky and Google will collaborate in three key areas: Video Sky will launch a multi-platform User Generated Video (UGV) portal powered bythe first global deployment of Google's syndicated video content tools. The sitewill allow users to edit, upload and share their own video content, includingthe facility to upload and download from a mobile phone. The UGV portal willform part of a content-rich experience for Sky Broadband customers that willenhance the appeal of Sky's broadband services, build community and promote Skycontent to online audiences. Communications Sky Broadband customers will enjoy access to a comprehensive onlinecommunications platform. This will include a fully customised version ofGoogle's email product, 'Google Mail', which will use the popular '@sky.com'email address. Powered by Google with a user interface and functionalitycustomised to Sky's unique specifications, the platform will also offer accessto key communications applications that attract and deepen relationships withinternet users, such as contacts, calendar and instant messaging. In addition,Sky will explore opportunities to provide further services such as Google's VoIP(voice over internet protocol) telephony services, enhanced storage and futureproduct developments. Search and advertising Google will provide its industry leading search tools and targeted searchadvertising across Sky's portfolio of online sites. The two companies will alsoexplore future forms of web, TV and mobile advertising. Revenue generated byclick-throughs on sponsored links will be shared between Sky and Google,increasing Sky's exposure to the fastest growing segment of the UK's advertisingmarket. James Murdoch, Sky's Chief Executive, said: "These agreements will bring Sky customers a valuable set of services from theworld's leading search company, including cutting edge tools for video sharingand communications. Google has pioneered many of the web's most loved and usedfeatures, so I'm delighted that Sky Broadband customers will be the very firstonline community to enjoy such unrivalled range and quality as well as acommitment to further innovation. In a short time, Sky has emerged as an effective challenger by offeringhigh-quality broadband that offers greater value than traditional cable andtelcos. Sky is on track to build a large and successful broadband business andis increasingly well positioned to participate in the rapid growth of onlinesearch and advertising." Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Google, said: "Google is committed to giving people the power to explore, create andcommunicate. Today's alliance with Sky brings together two of the mostinnovative media and technology companies for the benefit of users. We will bedelivering exciting new services for Sky Broadband customers all over the UK.We're delighted to team up with Sky in one of the world's most dynamic marketsand we look forward to working together in the years to come." Financial terms of the agreements have not been disclosed. ENDS Note to Editors: About Sky Broadband Sky announced the launch of its broadband internet service, Sky Broadband, on 18July 2006 and began activating customers' lines in mid August. In just over 100days, around one million customers had registered their interest in SkyBroadband, making it one of the most successful UK product launches in recentyears. Sky Broadband customers enjoy wireless internet access and a full securitypackage with a choice of quality products offering speeds of up to 16 Mb. Onaverage, Sky Broadband customers are enjoying savings of more than £10 a monthcompared with their previous broadband supplier and are connecting at speeds onaverage three times faster. About Google Inc. Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around theworld with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. studentsLarry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all majorglobal markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of allsizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience forusers. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout theAmericas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com. Further information about Sky: Press: Matthew Anderson Tel: 020 7705 3267Robert Fraser Tel: 020 7705 3036E-mail: [email protected] Analysts/Investors: Andrew Griffith Tel: 020 7705 3118Robert Kingston Tel: 020 7705 3726E-mail: [email protected] Further information about Google: Press: DJ Collins Tel: 020 7184 3247Email: [email protected] Analysts/Investors: Maria Shim Tel: +1 650 253 7663Email: [email protected] This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Sky