Microsoft Taiwan and KKBOX Group Introduce Global Strategic Partnership

Microsoft Taiwan and KKBOX Group, a media technology company, have launched a global strategic partnership to migrate KKBOX Group’s music streaming services to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.

KKBOX Group subsidiary KKStream joined the Microsoft global partner network to release BlendVision, a commercial video streaming solution designed to harness data and AI to reduce operating costs for over-the-top (OTT) platform operators.

Microsoft and the media tech company will also use data and AI to optimize its music-creation system and explore new music-listening possibilities for consumers. This co-operation is seen as a milestone for KKBOX Group’s internationalization initiative. It also opens up more possibilities for the digital entertainment industry, the partners said.

“The media and entertainment industries are going through a transformation as studios, broadcasters and other rich media content creators, such as over-the-top (OTT) service providers, are facing pressure to innovate on how they deliver content to their audiences while getting smarter on using data to their advantage,” said Bob De Haven, general manager, Worldwide Media & Communications Industries, Microsoft. “KKBOX has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry in Asia, providing world-class entertainment to users and continuing to experiment and innovate with technology. We are thrilled that KKBOX has chosen Azure to provide the company with intelligent platforms that unlock creativity and collaboration, bring content to market faster and engage audiences.”

KKBOX Group is now expanding globally, including music, video, show ticketing and e-commerce. It leverages AI to provide users with better experiences and artists, creators and concert organizers with business insights.

“KKBOX Group offers consumers a wide range of entertainment experiences in Asia,” said Chris Li, co-founder and CEO, KKBOX Group. “We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to migrate KKBOX music to Azure, address streaming technology challenges by co-selling BlendVision globally, and develop AI music creation.”