InterVU, Cosmo Software in Licensing Deal

Streaming media delivery company InterVU Inc. said it signed an agreement to distribute the Cosmo Player multi-platform VRML (virtual reality modeling language) 2.0-compliant 3D client with InterVU’s eyeQ Multimedia Manager.

Under the agreement with Silicon Graphics’ Cosmo Software, the Cosmo Player, a universal VRML client, will be added to the range of multimedia players in eyeQ, a package of software tools designed to enhance the end-user’s access to Internet multimedia, including ads.

eyeQ is made available by InterVU to end-users at no charge, and the version including Cosmo Player will be available beginning in mid-May. The two companies will also provide each other with a range of cross-marketing support activities. Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

In addition, InterVU can now manage and deliver Cosmo Player’s VRML-based rich media content over the Internet. By adding Cosmo Player to the tools on eyeQ, InterVU said it is extending its service offerings to advertisers and others.

“There is a steadily growing movement towards using rich media in online advertising, as the industry begins to realize the increased effectiveness it offers over static media,” said Allie Shaw, director of marketing at InterVU.

“InterVU is dedicated to making rich media on the Internet a simple, turnkey process for content providers, advertisers and ad agencies, and end-users, and we’ve formed strategic partnerships and alliances that have enabled us to provide rich media implementation and viewing solutions.”

The eyeQ package of software tools includes plug-in players, and features to install and update the tools. End users can download eyeQ for free or order the CD online.

Offering full-service Internet video solutions to advertisers, advertising agencies, major ISPs, cable/TV networks, and Web sites, InterVU operates a proprietary network of distributed servers, called Delivery Centers, strategically located across 10 Internet backbones to optimize video file availability and performance for Web sites.