IBM and Hughes Network Systems Announce Technical Partnership to Enhance Satellite Delivery of Software and Multimedia

Strategic Insights -

IBM and Hughes Network Systems (HNS) have announced a technical partnership to combine the best characteristics of electronic software distribution methods with the speed and reliability of satellite technology. This partnership will enable IBM's Software Manufacturing Solutions to deliver software, multimedia, and other digital information products to customers in a fraction of the time it takes to produce and deliver a shrink-wrapped package. The partnership plans to put products into the hands of customers using HNS's DirecPC service, which was also announced today.

Key Takeaways:

  • IBM and HNS have formed a technical partnership to enhance satellite delivery of software, multimedia, and other information products.
  • The partnership aims to combine electronic software distribution methods with the speed and reliability of satellite technology.
  • IBM's Software Manufacturing Solutions will be able to build offerings to market digital information delivery services to corporate customers, resellers, retailers, and consumers based on HNS's DirecPC service.
  • Potential pilot services include interactive kiosks in retail stores, software maintenance delivery, corporate account services, comprehensive order fulfillment capabilities, and electronic delivery of software and multimedia products.
  • The partnership plans to release details of upcoming services in the first quarter of 1995.

Statistics:

  • 65% market share of interactive VSAT networks worldwide by HNS.
  • Over 70,000 VSAT terminals installed by HNS.
  • 20+ years experience in satellite and digital communications networking by HNS.
  • 240 networks installed in 40 countries by HNS.
  • 10,000 IBM and non-IBM software and information products stored in IBM's central data repositories.
  • Up to 80% of software maintenance services expected to be distributed via satellite by IBM by the end of 1995.

Sources:

  • [Business Wire] - IBM Corp. and Hughes Network Systems Announce Technical Partnership (Nov. 1, 1994)
  • HNS's market share of over 65% of the interactive VSAT networks worldwide, with over 70,000 VSAT terminals installed; 20 plus years experience in satellite and digital communications networking.
  • GM Hughes Electronics' DIRECTV(TM) direct-to-the-home satellite delivered television system.