Verizon and Disney+: Providing solutions to stream the highest quality content

Rhea-AI Summary

The Walt Disney Company and Verizon have initiated a trial of advanced content caching technology within Verizon's Fios network, aimed at enhancing streaming experiences for Disney+ users. Utilizing Verizon’s Open Caching platform, popular content like 'Falcon and The Winter Soldier' is stored closer to customers, resulting in faster load times and fewer interruptions. Verizon's CTO emphasized the importance of this collaboration in offering exceptional service, while Disney's CTO noted the trial's role in scaling content distribution effectively. The trial is ongoing with further potential applications for other content providers.

Positive

• Improved streaming performance for Disney+ users via faster load times and reduced buffering.
• Collaboration with Disney enhances Verizon's reputation among innovative brands.
• Open Caching platform positions Verizon for future partnerships with various content providers.

Negative

• None.

NEW YORK, June 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Walt Disney Company and Verizon recently began trialing advanced content caching technology in the Fios network that will improve the experience for customers streaming Disney+ content over their Verizon FIOS service. Throughout the past few months, building on Verizon’s existing edge caching capabilities, the companies have collaborated on a trial using Verizon’s new Open Caching (OC) platform. Based on open specifications developed by the Streaming Video Alliance, Verizon’s Open Caching platform stores the most requested streaming video content, like “Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” in network facilities closer to the customer which results in content starting faster, while also reducing freezing, pausing or playback failures during streaming.

“Verizon continues to be the network of choice for many of the world’s most innovative brands because of our unwavering focus on providing an exceptional customer experience, our industry-leading technology and our continued investment in capabilities that provide an unparalleled platform for growth and enhanced experiences,” said Kyle Malady, Chief Technology Officer for Verizon. “This trial with Disney is another step in our exciting journey with a leading global brand that is providing tremendous value for our shared customers.”

“The ability for us to scale Disney+ internet distribution and create optimal streaming experiences for subscribers around the content is paramount to our continued success as the flagship streaming service from The Walt Disney Company,” said Joe Inzerillo, Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer. “As we experience increased demand for Disney+ content, we are encouraged with the success of the OpenCache standards and the growing install base of that platform across global networks like Verizon. These deployments have given us scale while providing valuable distribution diversity enabling us to engage millions of more subscribers with the highest quality streaming.”

About the trial
Caching popular Internet content at the network edge closer to end users is a standard ISP network management practice that has long been a part of the Internet’s architecture. Verizon’s Open Caching Platform, based on specifications developed by the Streaming Video Alliance’s Open Caching Working Group, serves content from caching servers located at the edge of the network closer to the customer as opposed to servers in cloud data centers that could be further away from where customers are engaging with the content. By storing content closer to customers, the data travels a shorter distance over the network, through fewer routers and switches, reducing delays in delivery of content to the customer. As a result, customers are able to start streaming content more quickly and face fewer potential network events that could cause freezing or buffering. In this trial, FIOS customers throughout the Verizon FIOS footprint were able to access Disney content using Open Caching. Results from the trial showed faster start times for content, smoother streaming, and less buffering.

Based on the Streaming Video Alliance Specifications
The Streaming Video Alliance is a global association which works to solve technical streaming challenges of delivering high-quality video at scale. The Open Caching Working Group, established in 2015 with the organization’s formation, has been developing specifications and code for the interoperable Open Caching network. The working group, which includes Verizon and Disney, collaborates on developing the documentation and reference software for building the Open Caching Network technologies.

What’s next for open caching at Verizon
The Open Caching Platform trial with Disney+ is continuing. Meanwhile, Verizon is exploring conversations with many other content providers including news organizations, gaming companies, and other entertainment content providers to use open caching technology to deliver their most popular content to Verizon customers. Verizon’s Open Caching platform, providing greater efficacy and efficiency in managing network resources, is open to any and all content providers that are interested in leveraging it to provide a better viewing experience for their customers.

Open caching for Wireless customers is currently under development as well. With the virtualization built into the wireless network and the server space on the edge of the network developed over the past few years, the wireless network is in prime position to deliver open caching content, providing an enhanced viewing experience for customers while on the go.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at https://www.verizon.com/about/media-center. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:

Karen Schulz
karen.schulz@verizon.com
864-561-1527

Kristie Adler
kristie.adler@disney.com
646-547-5637

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Verizon and Disney trial?

The trial aims to enhance the streaming experience of Disney+ users by using advanced content caching technology in Verizon's Fios network.

What technology is being tested in the Verizon and Disney collaboration?

The collaboration is testing Verizon's Open Caching platform, which stores popular streaming content closer to customers.

How does the Open Caching technology improve streaming performance?

It reduces delays in content delivery by storing data closer to users, resulting in faster streaming and fewer interruptions.

When was the Verizon and Disney trial announced?

The trial was announced on June 29, 2021.

What content was specifically mentioned in the press release?

The press release specifically mentioned 'Falcon and The Winter Soldier' as one of the popular streaming contents.