Akamai is a company that may not be familiar to everyone, but most internet users have indirectly used their services. They provide a distributed computing platform for global Internet content and application delivery, and their customers include Microsoft, MySpace, and Metacafe.
Now, they've turned their attention to HD video. Their HD Network, which is an upgrade to their existing network, will let content and service providers offer high quality video on a variety of platforms: on your PC, through Flash and Silverlight, but also on the iPhone.
The problem with HD video is the fact that you need a lot of servers and advanced technology to be able to deliver it to a lot of people. Akamai has servers in about 1,000 locations in 750 cities around the world, and they've got a lot of experience in delivering video content. Their HD Network streaming platform supports adaptive bitrate streaming, instant response to viewer interactions with the video player, and includes an open, standards-based HD video player, all of which should ensure a smooth HD experience. Finally, according to Akamai President and CEO Paul Sagan, they've got network connection of 2 Mbps or faster to two-thirds of consumers in the U.S., as well as 5Mbps or greater to over 25% of the population.