Say Ciao to Streaming Software

Into Networks (www.intonetworks.com), a streaming software technology and services company, is bringing its services abroad in conjunction with FastWeb ( www.fastweb.it), an Italian Internet service provider. Through this agreement, subscribers to FastWeb's fiber-optic network will have access to a selection of software delivered from Into Networks servers.

The service works by sending compressed packets of CD-ROM software over IP that allows the program to run without being installed on the user's computer. The services are available on a subscription and premium pay-per-play basis, and include hundreds of games, as well as education and business software titles.

As part of the agreement, Into has installed dedicated servers to deliver its content at the edge of FastWeb's network.

FastWeb joins the ranks of major US ISPs such as Excite@Home and Juno Services that have been looking to streaming software as a way to entice more people to upgrade to broadband. The companies cite Forrester Research's predictions that the number of European households with a broadband connection is expected to rise from 0.2 percent in 1999, to 18 percent by 2005.

"This agreement marks the launch of our aggressive expansion into Europe and further strengthens our category leadership in bringing streaming software to Internet users worldwide," said Vincent Grosso, CEO of Into Networks.