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Internet Video Pioneer Becomes First to Offer a Turn-Key Software Solution for Web Video Content Providers; Supports Multiple Business Models and Complete Ad Solution
San Mateo, CA (February 27, 2008) - Akimbo, the Silicon Valley company that was first in Internet video delivery, is now first to develop a complete Internet VOD solution for content providers' own websites. The Akimbo solution has a comprehensive advertising system and supports multiple business models including ad-supported, transactional, subscription, download-to-own, download-to-burn, pay-per-minute, gift cards, account credits and more.The announcement was made today by Thomas Frank, president and CEO, Akimbo. "One of the most important pieces missing in the stampede to the Internet video market has been an easy solution for content owners to control the marketing and sale of their own video assets," said Frank. "Until now, content owners have been forced to use incomplete solutions or rely entirely on distribution deals to publish professional content. We have engineered a solution that allows content owners to take control of their own destiny without incurring costly infrastructure expenses or unreasonable revenue splits with third parties." The first content provider to utilize this revolutionary new solution is MavTV, a multi-platform programming venture targeting male viewers. "Akimbo is unique in its deep understanding of the quickly evolving Internet video business," said Rob Stevens, co-founder and Vice President of Programming at MavTV. "With Akimbo, we were able to launch quickly, integrate easily with our existing website and offer our viewers a high quality, flexible VOD experience. Akimbo's solution also didn't require investing significant resources and relying on multiple technology partners. We're confident we now have the best broadband video player of any cable network in our industry." The Akimbo solution can be rapidly deployed by any content provider and includes both a customizable user interface, as well as a fully integrated back-end management system to handle all transactions, billing, and advertising. To support the development of this new solution, Akimbo secured new financing led by investors including Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, and Zone Ventures. "The market for web video is finally taking off, and Akimbo clearly has the most complete solution at the right time," said William Randolph Hearst, III, affiliated partner with Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers. How It Works The Akimbo solution is comprised of several key technology components that allow for flexibility, as well as providing for the ultimate ease-of-use and security. Content providers manage everything through Akimbo's web-based Library Distribution Management system, a user-friendly tool for managing content and distribution rights, as well as pricing, tracking and ad rotation. Akimbo's technology components include: Consumer Program Guide – The CPG is an easy-to-use, front-end interface for selecting and viewing full-screen videos and is HD-supported. The CPG is highly customizable and appears as part of the content providers' own website. All pricing options and scheduling are controlled by the content provider. Download Manager – This software maintains all the security and usage rights of the content, allowing the consumer to view and manage their programs without being connected to the Internet for on-the-go viewing. Content Publishing System – Quick and efficient, web-based tools allow content providers to manage all content and usage rights. Content providers can also preview library content and advertising prior to distribution and see real-time, highly customizable reports. Encoding and uploading can be done by the content provider or handled by Akimbo. Advertising Management System – With extensive reporting capabilities, the Akimbo AMS simplifies the process of pricing, tracking and rotating ads. Subscriber Management System – Akimbo's solution integrates with existing SMS and billing systems. Privacy and security protections are paramount, ensuring only the minimum information necessary for operation is ever stored within the Akimbo system. "These technologies are the result of Akimbo's extensive experience in internet-delivered VOD," said Neil Goldberg, Akimbo COO and long-time content industry expert. "No one else offers such a well-rounded, well-tested and flexible solution." About Akimbowww.akimbo.com . About MavTV MavTV, owned by the Mav'rick Entertainment Network, carries a variety of programming themes targeting men 18-54, including sports, sports analysis, gaming, comedy, women and relationships, health and fitness, finance, gadgets, and movies. MavTV is a 24/7-destination channel dedicated to reaching men in an irreverent, humorous, opinionated fashion.
AKIMBO
