PPTV Builds World's Largest TV Cloud Platform Based on Microsoft Windows Azure

SHANGHAI, June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft held a press conference in Shanghai announcing the official launch of Microsoft Windows Azure Cloud Platform in China. PPTV is the first Chinese new media outlet cooperating with Microsoft on a cloud computing platform. Its CEO, Dr. Vincent Tao, has stated that the launch of Windows Azure Cloud Platform in China shall impact and pose a challenging opportunity to China's technical sector, as previous new technologies and platforms did before. PPTV will fully leverage this opportunity to further develop the domestic "multi-screen" TV service, lead the export of domestic TV programs and accelerate the business development of its Asian TV Network in China.

In July 2012, PPTV and Microsoft signed a strategic partnership memorandum to launch PPTV ATN (Asia TV Networks) based on Windows Azure Cloud Platform worldwide. Considering the great potential abroad, with over 100 million overseas users, PPTV began its preparations for the cloud-based ATN platform as early as two years ago, with the aim of creating an easy-to-use cloud platform for overseas customers to offer pay TV services at a low cost. Supported by Windows Azure, PPTV ATN's global operations have expanded into nearly 12 countries and regions, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Europe and North America.

Through the use of Windows Azure, PPTV has created the world's first cloud-based network TV platform. Overseas users can watch live TV programs via PPTV ATN cloud platform. Commenting on this, Microsoft Senior Vice President, Chairman and CEO of Greater China Ralph Haupter said in a speech, "PPTV's providing real-time live video in Thailand and Indonesia via Windows Azure Cloud Platform is a brand new market opportunity, which was unimaginable in the past. We are so excited to have such a great application on our platform."

The collaboration between PPTV and Microsoft will help the domestic online video industry realize new business models overseas and integrate resources of content providers, operators and technical platforms on the business value chain. It will provide a favorable benchmark for the continuing improvement of the domestic TV cloud platform's business model and accelerate business innovation. An industry insider has noted, due to the large number and robust demand of overseas Chinese users, PPTV's cooperation with Microsoft will further expand its overseas influence and enhance its overseas prospects.

SOURCE PPTV