Microsoft Corp. and SeaChange International Inc. today announced an agreement at the National Cable & Telecommunications Association's National Show to extend their joint efforts to provide network operators with flexibility in developing, marketing and deploying video-on-demand (VOD) services. According to the agreement, SeaChange's VODlink software will be integrated with the Microsoft® TV Foundation Edition platform, allowing operators to take advantage of VODlink's value-added capabilities, such as DVD on demand. The agreement affirms SeaChange's existing commitment to Microsoft TV and ensures support of SeaChange VODlink in future versions of Microsoft TV Foundation Edition and Microsoft TV Interactive Program Guide (IPG) for television operators that choose VODlink services.

Beginning in 2005, cable operators will have the option to use VODlink features integrated with Foundation Edition. The combination of Foundation Edition and VODlink will enable operators to deliver a variety of innovative on-demand services that potentially increase buy rates and derive more value from their existing VOD infrastructure. The VODlink software will be integrated into Foundation Edition, and network operators will license VODlink's advanced services from SeaChange directly.