NAB 2019: New version of Blackbird on Microsoft Azure delivers even faster cloud video performance

9 April 2019, Las Vegas and London - Forbidden Technologies plc (AIM: FBT), developer and seller of a market-leading cloud video platform Blackbird, has announced that the latest version of Blackbird on Microsoft Azure delivers even faster cloud video performance.

Any company working with video for all or part of their workflows can use the latest version of Blackbird on Azure to rapidly and frame-accurately view, clip, edit and publish live and non-live video content in the cloud. The only solution on the market that provides highly responsive frame-accurate navigation of video content in the cloud, Blackbird is available to anyone with a browser, anywhere in the world, even with very low bandwidth.

The latest version of Blackbird can be deployed on Azure in under 5 minutes. Blackbird can also now support the use of Azure Blob Storage of video which allows transparency of operation between traditional and cloud enabled workflows for content creation and delivery.

Today's announcement follows the news earlier this year that Blackbird had reached Microsoft Co-Sell Ready status. This status has facilitated a closer working relationship between Blackbird and Microsoft with the companies' sales teams working together to directly engage new and existing customers about the benefits of Blackbird.

Blackbird has a growing number of users on Azure. These include Deltatre, a leading supplier of digital and broadcast services in the sports sector and Barbri, the world's largest law examinations preparation company. Deltatre uses Blackbird to accelerate delivery of live and on-demand video highlights to fans of American football, athletics, golf, rugby and cycling. Barbri uses Blackbird to seamlessly edit and add graphics to its videos as part of its Learning Management System used by students.

Ian McDonough, CEO of Forbidden Technologies, said: 'For our customers, quickly and easily delivering video content is vital. This latest version of Blackbird on Microsoft Azure gives companies the opportunity to clip, edit and publish video content to their customers at unbeatable speeds, dramatically improving productivity and opening up monetization opportunities. Azure is a fantastic partner for Blackbird and we continue to work closely together to expand our customer base.'

Sudheer Sirivara, General Manager, Azure Media at Microsoft Corp. said: 'Video workflows are moving rapidly to the cloud across sectors such as sports, esports, news, education and entertainment. This latest version of Blackbird further enhances organizations' ability to rapidly create, manage and distribute video content, while massively reducing production costs and enhancing team collaboration.'

Blackbird is exhibiting on the Microsoft booth (#SL6716) at this year's NAB Show in Las Vegas from 8th to 11th of April.