Press ReleaseLimelight Networks Leveraged as Content Delivery Network for Xbox 360Limelight's High-Performance Network Providing Downloads of Trailers and Games Demos for Xbox Live TEMPE, AZ - December 7, 2005 - Limelight Networks today announced that it is the Content Delivery Network for Microsoft's just-launched Xbox® 360(TM) video game system and Xbox Live®, the online gaming service for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft now included with every system. Microsoft is leveraging Limelight Networks for delivery of trailers and game demos during one of the most important product launches in its history to ensure that Xbox Live audiences receive the best performance with any downloaded content.
Xbox Live is now available with two membership levels, Silver and Gold. Silver is standard with every system at no extra cost, while Gold is available via a variety of subscription plans. Both plans feature Xbox Live Marketplace which has over 400 selections of downloadable content, including Xbox Live Arcade games, game demos and trailers. With full implementation of Xbox Live on Limelight Networks, powerful delivery network, the synergy of Xbox Live and the Limelight Networks platform continues to provide millions of gamers unprecedented online access to games, content and downloads from both Microsoft and leading game developers, directly via Xbox Live.
"With the launch of Xbox 360 we're taking Xbox Live to new heights. Now that our customers can download game demos, high-definition movie trailers, and more, we need to be prepared for dramatic increases in traffic," said Xbox Live Operations Manager Eric Neustadter. "Working with Limelight Networks allows us to easily scale to any level of demand."
"The expanded Xbox Live online service is sure to be a big hit for all Xbox 360 users," said Erik Gabler, senior vice president business development for Limelight Networks. "Our technology, distributed infrastructure and proven delivery performance continue to make Limelight the clear choice for delivery of high-speed downloads of Xbox Live content to audiences of any size."
The eagerly anticipated Xbox 360 was launched in the United States on November 22, 2005 to sellout crowds, with many retailers opening their doors at midnight in conjunction with the Zero Hour launch event in the Mojave Desert. Gaming enthusiasts are not only receiving the latest in high performance gaming technology, but a system that promises integrated interaction and delivery of all forms of digital entertainment.
About Xbox LiveXbox Live continues to transform and unite Xbox communities worldwide, with a presence in 24 countries, and a global community of more than 2 million members. As the first and only global, unified online console games service, Xbox Live offers world-class games, intelligent matchmaking, tournaments, unique programming and integration with Xbox.com. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.About MicrosoftFounded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp.About Limelight NetworksPrivately held Limelight Networks is the leading content delivery network for Internet distribution of video, music, games, and downloads. Limelight's advanced content delivery network provides the world's top media companies high-performance, cost-effective delivery of media and software via the Internet, making Limelight Networks the content delivery network of choice for more than 400 world-class customers including Akimbo, ABC Radio Networks, Belo Interactive, "BuyMusic" @ Buy.com, DreamWorks, LLC, IFILM, Live365, Marimba, MSNBC.com, NC Interactive, NPR, Real Networks Rhapsody, Radio Free Virgin, radioio, Valve Software, and Xbox Live. For more information, visit: http://www.llnw.com