Search:  

 
 
   News
newer
story category Microsoft Code Responsbile For AT&T IPTV Delay
MS IPTV track record not looking so hot...
(old news - 11:56AM Friday Jan 26 2007)
tags: business · telco · software · TVIP
There's a long list of telcos that are using Microsoft software to fuel their IPTV services, though not all of them have been happy with it. There were early reports from Swisscom about Microsoft's platform being cumbersome and expensive -- fears that weren't exactly eliminated when Verizon said they had to have their own programmers rewrite Microsoft code for their FiOS TV service. Remember those "programming" issues AT&T CEO Ed Whitacre mentioned? They're also thanks to unwieldy Microsoft code, according to a report in today's Wall Street Journal.

Related:
  1. U-Verse Hits BellSouth Territory
  2. AT&T Sets New U-Verse Goals
  3. U-Verse Arrives In Columbus
  4. Verizon Wireless Preps 'Open Access' Tier
  5. AT&T Trimming Redundant BellSouth Positions
  6. AT&T U-Verse Heads To Campus
  7. U-Verse Voice Launches In Austin, San Diego
  8. Tying U-Verse and The iPhone Together
Forums » Microsoft Code Responsbile For AT&T IPTV Delay
view: topics flat text 
Post a:

PhoenixDown
-- Ron Paul 2008 --
Premium
join:2003-06-08
Fresh Meadows, NY
clubs:

They should've deployed Apple I-TV's

WAN wide Apple I-TV broadcasts.

N3OGH
They both suck, we're so screwed
Premium
join:2003-11-11
Philly burbs
·Verizon Online DSL


edit:
January 26th, @12:09PM

Re: They should've deployed Apple I-TV's

said by PhoenixDown See Profile :

WAN wide Apple I-TV broadcasts.
Hope you've got your asbestos jammies handy, 'cause here it comes....
--
Never ask what sort of a computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If not, why embarrass him? -Tom Clancy

kyramilan

join:2006-11-26
Pensacola, FL
·Verizon Online DSL
·1and1
·Cox HSI

Press Release
-------------

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said today the company was working extremely hard to rectify the code that crippled AT&T's new IPTV offering. Ballmer said the crack techs that created the "new awesome Vista OS" were put immediately on the project.

Oh, gee, the Vista team is on it. I feel sorry for AT&T!

ifarrell

join:2000-08-10
Willow Spring, NC
·Vonage

Re: They should've deployed Apple I-TV's

said by kyramilan See Profile :

Press Release
-------------

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said today the company was working extremely hard to rectify the code that crippled AT&T's new IPTV offering. Ballmer said the crack techs that created the "new awesome Vista OS" were put immediately on the project.

Oh, gee, the Vista team is on it. I feel sorry for AT&T!
So does that mean it will take 5 years for them to get it out the door?

meskinct
This space for rent
Premium
join:2002-01-07
Danbury, CT
clubs:
·Comcast


edit:
January 26th, @12:21PM

Finger Pointing

AT&T picked Microsoft to be their provider for an IPTV solution. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with AT&T not Microsoft to ensure that the solution fits their (AT&T's) IPTV needs.

Sounds like some poor analysis was done at AT&T and they are pointing their fingers at Mr. Softee.

Analogy:
I've got a fire I need to put out. I need a hose to move the water. I pick a 1/2 inch hose. The fire rages out of control. Who is responsible?
1. Me (AT&T) for picking too small of a hose?
2. The maker of the hose (Microsoft) because it doesn't supply enough water?

I think you'll put the blame with #1 because I picked a bad solution to the problem.

--
Rich. My Website - ThisIsPico.Com including the AT&T/SBC Northeast/SNET Status Page and Graphs

anonone

@af.mil

Re: Finger Pointing

The size of the hose does not matter if the pump does not work.

DaSneaky1D
Tell me, where is your father?
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-29
The Lou

Re: Finger Pointing

said by anonone :

The size of the hose does not matter if the pump does not work.
Classic!
--
:: my trivial ramblings ::
MASantangelo
Premium
join:2004-07-19
Pittstown, NJ
But Microsoft wasn't the maker of the pump...

anonone

@af.mil

Re: Finger Pointing

said by MASantangelo See Profile :

But Microsoft wasn't the maker of the pump...
For his analogy to work, ATT picked the size of the pipe and chose MS to build the pump. The pipe is in place, however the pump has problems functioning at times. MS is responsible for the STB code and a large portion of backend IPTV code as well.

Even verizon had problems with the MS pump and they were using a very large pipe.

FLea973
Premium
join:2001-02-27
Morristown, NJ
clubs:

Re: Finger Pointing

said by anonone :

said by MASantangelo See Profile :

But Microsoft wasn't the maker of the pump...
For his analogy to work, ATT picked the size of the pipe and chose MS to build the pump. The pipe is in place, however the pump has problems functioning at times. MS is responsible for the STB code and a large portion of backend IPTV code as well.

Even verizon had problems with the MS pump and they were using a very large pipe.
I am no AT&T or Microsoft booster.. but even THIS needs to be deflated... Yes AT&T chose the pipe... but they ALSO chose the pump... is it MicroSoft's problem that the pump is inadequate? No - AT&T chose the wrong one. If Microsoft was the only choice there might be an issue.. but as they aren't.....
--
To the past, or to the future. To an age when thought is free. From the Age of Big Brother, from the Age of the Thought Police, from a dead man... greetings
ashworth

join:2001-10-06
Pittsburgh, PA
·Verizon Online DSL

Yes VZ realized probs with the code and were smart enough to take care of it themselves..... At least VZ is doing the IPTV right (FTTH,writing code etc). ATT will continue to struggle to bring TV to the masses with bandwidth limitations and software issues related to the limited bandwidth.

Phattieg

join:2001-04-29
Jacksonville, FL
I would have a classical reply to that one simply because you set yourself up for it, but I won't say it here. :-D

Thats what she said.--
SIPPhone/Gizmo # 17476200648 / PIMPNET Chatline / Ran by Asterisk & Slackware 10.1.
RayW
Premium
join:2001-09-01
Layton, UT
clubs:
·XMission

said by meskinct See Profile :

AT&T picked Microsoft to be their provider for an IPTV solution. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with AT&T not Microsoft to ensure that the solution fits their (AT&T's) IPTV needs.

Sounds like some poor analysis was done at AT&T and they are pointing their fingers at Mr. Softee.
Mind posting links to the specs from AT&T that lead you to make that statement? Most of the articles that point fingers seem to point toward microsoft not being able to provide, which makes sense since historically microsoft requires many iterations (prime example, the antitrust case where m had to go through many iterations to to get IE an integral and non-removable part of windows) to get working code out.
--
I am not lost, I find myself every time.

Blasterbator
Sent By Grocery Clerks

join:2001-02-20
Jackson, MS
·Cox HSI


edit:
January 26th, @10:11PM

Re: Finger Pointing

Microsoft sold ATT something that they haven't been able to deliver (and not just to ATT either).

Obviously ATT didn't do their due diligence, since there are viable IPTV solutions deployed around the world. However that doesn't mean Microsoft didn't screw the pooch on this one. Microsoft has tried to build everything on their own instead of integrating with existing 'best of breed' components and deliver something on schedule that actually works.

After getting burned by SA (now owned by Cisco) and GI (now owned by Moto) with their closed and vertically integrated systems, at least most of the cablecos learned to not only bring in two vendors and have them compete for a larger share of the business, but also to require a certain level of interoperability between key components.
RayW
Premium
join:2001-09-01
Layton, UT
clubs:

Re: Finger Pointing

Especially if one is Microsoft.

TechieZero
Tools Are Using Me
Premium
join:2002-01-25
Wesley Chapel, FL
It's not the size of the hose but how you use it.
GhostDoggy

join:2005-05-11
Duluth, GA

Yes, this is finger pointing. Microsoft is not the only provider in IPTV platform solutions, but AT&T put all their rotten eggs in the one basket. You would think that they would have conducted redundant implementations with the same market and utilized at least one city as a test bed to see which solution provider delivered better.

jslik
That just happened
Premium
join:2006-03-17
clubs:

Try to guess what is redundant....

"unwieldy Microsoft code"

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs:
·Embarq

Re: Try to guess what is redundant....

Yeah, this no shocker. Microsoft and shitty code seam to go hand-in-hand.
Are there no other providers with better boxes?
I find it amazing that the Verizon peeps actually could rewrite the code. Doesn't Microsoft find sharing their code with anyone outside of their company against their way of doing business?
RayW
Premium
join:2001-09-01
Layton, UT
clubs:
·XMission

Re: Try to guess what is redundant....

said by Maxo See Profile :

Doesn't Microsoft find sharing their code with anyone outside of their company against their way of doing business?
They apparently shared with China and according to the rumours from our security gurus, the US Gov had some serious PC intrusions through microsoft webmail and/or outlook as a result of holes/'features' found using that data.
--
I am not lost, I find myself every time.
raythompsontn

join:2001-01-11
Oliver Springs, TN

said by Maxo See Profile :

Microsoft and shitty code seam to go hand-in-hand.
And just how much Microsoft code have you actually seen? Have you written any applications that run under Windows? Event driven code? Quantify these questions and then perhaps you can make such a judgement call.

Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs:
·Embarq

Re: Try to guess what is redundant....

Or, if you pay attention to such things, you would know that this is nothing new for Microsoft. I could go no but I really don't care to drag this out into a whole anti-MS thread. It's all quite trite. I leave my statement as it stands. I offer no warranties.
raythompsontn

join:2001-01-11
Oliver Springs, TN


edit:
January 26th, @04:12PM

Re: Try to guess what is redundant....

said by Maxo See Profile :

I offer no warranties.
And nothing that quantifies your statement and puts you in the position to make any sort of valid statements regarding the quality of any code that Microsoft has produced.

Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs:

Re: Try to guess what is redundant....

I'm sorry. What was that? I wasn't paying attention.
raythompsontn

join:2001-01-11
Oliver Springs, TN

Re: Try to guess what is redundant....

said by Maxo See Profile :

I'm sorry. What was that? I wasn't paying attention.
What! You think that makes you special!

I don't know either. My wife says it's because I am senile and forget things.
jtel

join:2005-06-28
Bristol, RI

The Beta Test Continues

Well, now they are admitting there's a problem with the product. Makes Verizon's choice not to employ IPTV till it was more mature look like a smart move.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall during one of the meetings between AT&T and Microsoft.

gaforces
United We Stand, Divided We Fall

join:2002-04-07
Santa Cruz, CA
·Cruzio Internet


edit:
January 26th, @12:53PM

development process

Typical building scenario, ;

Customer, We want you to build this and heres the plan.
Builder, Can do!

Customer 1/4 of the way into the building process, We have a slight change, could you please implement it?
Builder, Can do! But this will delay the scheduled release.
Customer, No problem!

Customer 1/2 way through the building process, We have a slight change, could you please implement it?
Builder, Can do! But this will delay the scheduled release.
Customer, No problem!

Customer 3/4 through the building process, We have a slight change, could you please implement it?
Builder, Can do! But its going to cost 3x the original estimate and delay the scheduled release.
Customer, OMG that wasnt in the plan what do you mean its costing 3x and more delay! Just stick by the original plan.
Builder, Can do! But we have to undo the last changes you made and its going to cost 2x the original estimate and delay the release.
Customer, Thats not what we planned!
Builder, Im sorry

99% done and doing an overview with the customer.
Customer,We have a slight change, it will be unacceptable if you dont implement it. And we dont want to pay for it.
Builder, It is what it is, if you want it fixed you need to pay.
Customer, We dont want to pay and were going to blame everything(including the delay)on you if our product launch is a failure.
Builder, Shrug
bogey780

join:2004-03-19
Covington, LA

Re: development process

You know something from the inside?

gaforces
United We Stand, Divided We Fall

join:2002-04-07
Santa Cruz, CA
·Cruzio Internet


edit:
January 26th, @01:23PM

Re: development process

No I dont.
From what I read on the articles linked they changed the motorola boxes that the software would be running on, the ones they had for development process had more memory.
Then at the end they changed the billing process.

Those are not minor changes, those 2 things are HUGE changes, and Id bet the farm they changed other things.
Change=Delay
RJ44

join:2001-10-19
Atlanta, GA

Typical software development process

Vendor: We're going to be late with the scheduled delivery.

Customer: Again? sigh....

inteller
Sociopaths always win.

join:2003-12-08
Tulsa, OK
·Cingular Wireless

this sounds just like carriers and WM

all the carriers complain because they cant get windows mobile phones to work the way they want them with all of their "carrier customizations" in the end what it is is a bunch of yahoos at said carrier who dont know how to program and a bunch of bean counters who want to lock down the device way more than the consumer wants. I suspect the same thing exists on the IPTV side. The sounds just like verizon who was going to "re-write" the code. Yeah, I know when I think software developers I think verizon.
--
"WHEN THE LAUGH TRACK STARTS THEN THE FUN STARTS!"
nanoflower

join:2002-07-14
30876

Re: this sounds just like carriers and WM

Verizon wasn't going to do the work. They would hire third party developers that do this kind of work. I know some companies that specialize in doing set-top code. Some times they do work for the original set-top manufacturers and some times they do work for third parties that want the code customized for their situation.

Now, if the code isn't stable or the platform has changed then no one is going to find it an easy task to get the system working as it was supposed to.
b10010011
Whats a Posting tag?

join:2004-09-07
Bellingham, WA
·Comcast Formerly ..


edit:
January 26th, @01:28PM

My Comcast cable box is "Microsoft Enhaced"

Click for full size
This BSOD must be the "Enhanced" part.

odreian615

join:2006-01-18
Chicago, IL

M$ cant shove enough DRM in it

to make the **AA's happy naw but it looks to be a while for that Xbox-360 IPTV thing getting off the ground
alchav

join:2002-05-17
Palm Desert, CA

AT&T IPTV Mistakes!

AT&T is back together as a large corporation that has many problems, the biggest I feel is their decision to use VDSL Copper. I worked for a Telco and at the start AT&T was our Parent Company, and innovation was almost non-existent with AT&T. AT&T is full of Yes People, and only a handful know what they are doing, but only in one or two fields. All the decisions are made by putting together many Committees that take months of study to come up with obsolete ideas. So no surprise to me that they are in trouble.
itguy05

join:2005-06-17
Camp Hill, PA


edit:
January 26th, @03:14PM

not surprising

That's what you get for getting in bed with Microsoft.....

You should have looked at their other TV and Mobile failures:

1) UltimateTV. Mediocre at best and lasted, what 1 year?

2) WinCE. Yes, I remember 1.0/2.0/etc. Still clunky after all these years.

3) Media Center Edition. Been around for about 3 iterations now and is still only mediocre at best.

4) MSN TV. Need I say more.

Looking at MS's poor track record, it would be INSANE to partner with them for a mission critical application. MS doesn't know how to code mission critical apps.

Ultimately, you sleep with the Devil, you get burned. Serves you right. If you would have looked away from MS, you would have seen much better and more scalable solutions than anything provided by them.

Grumpy
Premium
join:2001-07-28
99999
clubs:

edit:
January 26th, @04:42PM

MS code bloat

My Tivo runs Linux...
raye
Premium
join:2000-08-14
Orange, CA

M$ and AT&T; two terds in the grass

When it comes to innovation and speed these are not the two companies that come to mind today. With these two joining forces I will be surprised if (and when) anything works. When it finally does it will be to slow (6 Mbps is slow even in 2007) and too late.

brooklynman4

join:2004-09-07
Brooklyn, NY

Re: M$ and AT&T; two terds in the grass

There GUI will be a windows vista product

brooklynman4

join:2004-09-07
Brooklyn, NY
There gui will be a windoes vista product
Forums » Microsoft Code Responsbile For AT&T IPTV Delay


Friday, 05-Sep 20:04:59 Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Hosting by www.nac.net - DSL,Hosting & Co-lo | feedback | contact
over 9 years online! © 1999-2008 dslreports.com.republican-creole