Microsoft encourages 3rd party IPTV aps

Microsoft has released the Beta version of its Mediaroom Presentation Framework. The release, made available to almost 150 companies worldwide, has been designed to allow operators to release their own IPTV-based services applications either directly or through third parties.

The framework makes it possible for operators to repurpose content that has already made available on the web. Companies receiving the framework include AT&T and BT.

In a statement, Microsoft said the release of the tools was a critical milestone for the IPTV industry that would enable IPTV providers to “substantially differentiate their services from cable and satellite offerings over time”.