BBC's business-to-business broadband capability launched

BBC Worldwide, the BBC’s main commercial arm, have launched BBC Preview – the first business-to-business broadband application that allows international programme buyers to view up to 700 hours of BBC programming streamed directly to their desktop via the Internet.
Currently in action across all European territories, BBC Preview will be rolled out across North America and Asia Pacific regions in 2002/3.
The system was developed in collaboration between three of the BBC’s commercial operations – BBC Worldwide, BBC Resources and BBC Technology.
The system provides increased efficiency to BBC Worldwide’s customers, as well as the company itself. BBC preview not only allows clients to view entire programmes but track and “bookmark” specific scenes for future reference. BBC Worldwide in turn can manage customer feedback more effectively applying this information to enhance sales and align marketing activities.
In addition, BBC Preview allows instant access to relevant programme information such as synopses and publicity material contained in the on-line product catalogue at www.bbcworldwidetv.com
Gary Richards, Technology Director of BBC Worldwide, said: “BBC Preview is a pioneering and powerful broadband application. It is a credit to the dedication and talent of several BBC departments collaborating towards a single goal to create a system that establishes BBC Worldwide as a frontrunner in the web service market.”
Mark Young, Managing Director, EMEIA, and CEO of BBC Worldwide Americas added: "BBC Preview will revolutionise and streamline BBC Worldwide's sales teams’ approach to business, ensuring we continue to provide excellent customer satisfaction to our increasing client base.”
BBC Worldwide Ltd is the main commercial arm, and a wholly owned subsidiary, of the BBC. The company was formed in 1994 to develop a co-ordinated approach to the BBC’s commercial activities: television, publishing, product licensing, Internet and interactive.
BBC Worldwide exists to maximise the value of the BBC’s programme and publishing assets for the benefit of the licence payer, and re-invest in public service programming. Turnover in the last financial year (2000/2001) was £587million and £96million in cashflow was returned to the BBC.
BBC, www.bbc.co.uk
(GMcG)