Claiming that it marks a move from tri-media – television, radio and magazines – to multimedia, the British Broadcasting Corp’s BBC Worldwide commercial division yesterday announced it has signed up ICL Plc to provide the technology and integration services for its new internet venture. BBC Online, to be launched next spring, will deliver BBC-branded Web services and programming built around BBC radio and television programs, covering news, sport, information and entertainment. As well as the Web content, the BBC intends to offer an access service for those not already connected to the internet. ICL, providing all the initial funding, will set up banks of replicated Web servers at its Kidsgrove and Bracknell bases with dual access points , and a network of virtual points-of-presence so that logging on to the BBC will be via local call throughout the country. ICL is currently gathering together the various internet technologies that will enable the BBC service, including object-based software from parent Fujitsu Ltd that will make it possible for the BBC to keep a track of exactly who is logged on. BBC Online is to be a substantial department at BBC Television Center, providing editorial content using tools provided by ICL. Initially it will be mostly text-based, with some audio and chat but no video; video will emerge as the technology develops. Subscriptions will be charged for premium services, and advertising will be allowed. The pact runs until 1999.
