Vivox, Inc., together with IBM and OGSi, today introduced its Jumpstart Program to simplify the process of launching voice-enabled online games.
The Jumpstart Program is designed to provide game developers with a powerful and streamlined communications development environment combining server hardware, game hosting, and integrated voice chat services. This program combines premiere integrated voice technology from Vivox with OGSi’s proven hosted services and IBM BladeCenter servers.
Online game developers will now have the benefit of rapidly integrating voice into their games with experienced partners while reaping the benefits of a high-quality beta testing environment at no additional cost.
“We are pleased to be working with these two highly regarded companies, IBM and OGSi, who understand the needs of the market,” said Rick Frye, vice president of sales at Vivox. “Game developers have a lot on their plate and need efficient and effective ways to integrate voice communications without compromising their development cycle. This is the ideal way for them to realize the benefits of voice quickly, easily and reliably.”
Jumpstart is a managed and hosted service on a fully developed, immensely scalable and dynamic IBM BladeCenter server infrastructure. Developers and publishers can expect a reliable voice solution, supported by leading server technology in a world-class hosting facility.
“Vivox is the clear industry leader for integrated voice services in online games and is a tremendous complement to our full service hosting services,” said James Hursthouse, CEO, OGSi. “As voice becomes required in online games, the Jumpstart Program helps to accelerate the integration process and mitigate technology risk. We are looking forward to making it easier, faster and cheaper for online game developers to implement voice with this dynamic alliance.”
“Integrated voice communications is an increasingly important part of online worlds. Voice chat contributes strongly to tactical game play, immersion and natural social interaction in the user community,” said David Laux, IBM global executive for games and interactive entertainment. “Vivox is a proven service provider that’s clearly setting the bar for VoIP quality and feature advancement in the games space. IBM is excited to help OGSi and Vivox bring this program to market, two companies that exceed the needs and expectations of the market.”
For more information on IBM, please visit www.ibm.com.
About OGSi
Online Game Services Inc. has been refining its Game Service Provider business model since its inception in June 2004. The company now works with a range of online game companies, providing them with fully-managed dedicated game hosting services, comprising best-of-breed server and network infrastructure, expert network design, deployment and operations. OGSi’s “pay-as-you-grow” business model offsets much of the risks and costs associated with online game deployment and operations. For more information visit www.onlinegameservices.com.
About Vivox, Inc.
Vivox provides online games, virtual worlds and online communities with managed voice communication services that are simple to integrate and enhance gameplay and community. Vivox’s carrier-grade, customizable solutions help online games and communities create improved offerings and extend their user base. Today, Vivox is bringing voice to approximately one million subscribers in more than 180 countries. For more information visit www.vivox.com.
