Comcast Teams Up with P2P Video Startup Company
Comcast announces agreement with GridNetworks at the Cable Show in New Orleans, hosted by the National Cable and Telecommunications Association.
The Philadelphia-based cable company which had previously “suggested” its interest in Seattle video startups when it bought thePlatform in June 2006, has made a forceful comeback by merging with GridNetworks in developing p2p file-sharing techniques that are "friendly" to ISPs.
This move may be partially motivated by the fact that Comcast is not off the case yet for messing with file-sharing traffic, a technology that GridNetworks' implements at to distributing online video.
The p2p system that GridNetworks employs enables that millions of users to view Internet videos at the same time without significant interruptions. GridNetworks seem very proud of this technology which, they say, surpasses that of many other competitors such as Akamai, Move Networks, Limelight Networks and Pando Networks.
According to Tony Werner, Comcast's chief technology officer, Comcast is treating the matter very seriously and has engaged alongside technology companies and the Internet Engineering Task Force in developing superior peer-to-peer file sharing technology – "We are interested in the application of P2P concepts in a manner that puts the quality of the consumer experience first, and enables lawful distribution of copyrighted content while also efficiently utilizing the network,"
However, other giant corporations have also seen a window for great business investing in GridNetworks : some time ago the company received $9.5 million investment from Cisco Systems.
