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Thompson
said, "We are currently witnessing
unprecedented rates of change in technology
and audience expectations. To ensure that
the BBC is able to embrace the creative
challenges of the digital future, we need
to forge strategic partnerships with technology
companies and distributors for the benefit
of licence payers."
Gates
says, "Microsoft's strength is in driving
digital innovation, and our vision is to
open up rich, new consumer experiences that
allow people to enjoy digital content anytime,
anywhere and on any device."
"This
vision fits squarely with the BBC's charter
to lead the industry in delivering content
that is compelling and accessible. I'm delighted
that we're taking this important step, and
I look forward to working together to develop
new models for content delivery and consumption."
Highfield
said, "Microsoft is not just a key
supplier to the BBC, it is also a key gateway
to audiences that the BBC needs to reach
through Web services it runs like MSN and
Windows Live(TM) Messenger, and hardware
such as Xbox and the Windows Media Center.
The BBC needs to work with all players in
this space to make sure our programmes and
content are enjoyed by the widest possible
audience, without always having to come
to bbc.co.uk to find it. The learnings from
our US visit will very much inform our thinking
on the BBC's creative future."
The
MoU aims to identify areas of common interest
between the BBC and Microsoft on which a
strategic alliance could be developed. Areas
of potential investigation and collaboration
include search and navigation, distribution,
and content enablement. Any actual procurements
of new technology, or launch of new services
by the BBC, would be subject to appropriate
regulatory approval.
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