iAmplify and HarperCollins Partner for the Publishing Industry's First Digital Syndication Platform

WebKnowHow
Thursday, August 3, 2006; 05:13 AM

iAmplify and HarperCollins Publishers launched the Digital Media Cafe, a new audio and video content initiative from HarperCollins powered by the iAmplify proprietary syndication platform, a distribution and publishing system that allows content providers to syndicate content across the Web. Consumers can stream and download author interviews and short form content to their computers and portable media devices such as iPods and cell phones at http://www.harpercollins.com as well as at http://www.iamplify.com and its third party syndication network.

 iAmplify is pioneering the trend of premium and paid downloadable media content in non-music genres," Murray Hidary, co-founder and CEO of iAmplify said. "HarperCollins has a tremendous author base and access to rich content going well beyond the traditional book. The combination of iAmplify's technology and syndication network coupled with HarperCollins' publishing experience creates a powerful combination."

Jane Friedman, CEO of HarperCollins, said: "Through iAmplify's technology we can garner additional exposure for our authors and provide unique content directly to consumers in formats they demand. This furthers our goal of being a true 21st century publisher."

The initial launch will include both free author interviews as well as paid programming at various price points for existing audio content. The launch list includes classics from the Caedmon collection, with short stories by John Cheever read by celebrities Blythe Danner, Peter Gallagher, Meryl Streep and more as well as WordTheatre productions read by celebrities such as Marcia Gay Harden, Bill Nighy and Jeff Goldblum. There will also be various short pieces from select authors. Ultimately, HarperCollins will launch an original short-format publishing program.

"We are moving towards a new distribution model where content is available to consumers on demand" Hidary added. "iAmplify provides digital content in any format and on any device -- not only to iPods, but also to laptops and cell phones -- that consumers can access digitally anytime, anywhere."