Google Joins Forces With BSkyB

BSkyB and Google have joined forces, with Sky becoming the online behemoth’s first partner to globally deploy its suite of search, advertising, communications and video services, which will be tailored and branded for Sky’s broadband platform.

Sky will launch a multi-platform User Generated Video (UGV) portal powered by the first global deployment of Google’s syndicated video content tools. The site will allow users to edit, upload and share their own video content, including the facility to upload and download from a mobile phone.

The deal also sees a customised version of Google’s email product, Google Mail, and Sky says it will explore opportunities to provide further services such as Google’s VoIP, telephony services, enhanced storage and future product developments.

Google will provide search tools and targeted search advertising across Sky’s portfolio of online sites. The two companies will also explore future forms of web, TV and mobile advertising. Revenue generated by click-throughs on sponsored links will be shared between the two companies, increasing Sky’s exposure to the fastest growing segment of the UK’s advertising market.

“These agreements will bring Sky customers a valuable set of services from the world’s leading search company, including cutting edge tools for video sharing and communications,” said James Murdoch, Sky’s chief executive.

“Google has pioneered many of the web’s most loved and used features, so I’m delighted that Sky Broadband customers will be the very first online community to enjoy such unrivalled range and quality as well as a commitment to further innovation.”

In early November, Sky revealed that 74,000 customers had been connected to its broadband service since it was launched in July, and that around one million of its 8.3 million subscribers had already registered interest in the offering (see 1 Million Customers Register Interest In Sky Broadband).

BSkyB: 0207 705 3000 www.sky.com Google: 020 7031 3000 www.google.co.uk/