Former Netscape executives Marc Andreessen and Mike Homer have announced the launch of Open Media Network, a nonprofit foundation for digital content distribution. OMN leverages grid computing technology, in which many computers are harnessed together for scalability to provide a high-speed distribution network for video, audio, and other rich media content. The grid computing technology comes from Kontiki, Homer's for-profit company. OMN adds value to content distribution by providing an online guide to available programs and downloads; personalization in the selection of programming and content; and the ability to synch to iPods and other media players, as well as distribute programming to mobile phones, TVs, and computers. Outsell views OMN as a next-generation aggregator, in effect a content-agnostic platform that allows opt-in by both content creators and content consumers. It provides a ready means for TV networks to repurpose their content for other devices, creating an opportunity to recapture dwindling audiences. This launch can also be seen as the next generation of social publishing, as it supports video blogs and RSS feeds. Outsell views OMN as solid evidence that rich media is taking center stage in the evolving world of content formats. While plain text is by no means dead, publishers of all stripes need to figure out how tools like OMN can add both value and reach to their offerings.
