Moving from Microsoft Azure Media Services to 3Q

Microsoft Azure Media Services is discontinuing its services

Azure Media Services is a cloud-based media platform provided by Microsoft Azure and is used by various streaming services and content providers to deliver and manage media content and broadcast quality video streaming. Some of the streaming services that have used or are still using Azure Media Services include:

1. Netflix: Azure Media Services is used by Netflix, among others, to deliver its streaming content to millions of users worldwide.
2. HBO: (Home Box Office): HBO has used Azure Media Services to stream its content, including TV shows and movies.
3. Hulu: Azure Media Services was used by Hulu, a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of TV shows and movies.
4. Disney+: The Walt Disney Company's streaming service, Disney+, has used Azure Media Services to deliver content.
5. BBC iPlayer: Azure Media Services was used by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for their on-demand streaming service BBC iPlayer.
6. ITV Hub: ITV Hub, ITV's streaming platform, has also used Azure Media Services to stream its content.
   

Why are Azure Media Services being discontinued?

Loud official statement by Microsoft, Azure Media Services will be discontinued as the company will focus on other strategic areas that will enable the company to grow and remain competitive over the long term.

What happens to customer data after the expiration date?

Azure Media Services stores two types of data: customer videos and related files (such as ISM, ISMC, and .mp4 files) that make up a Media Services object, and Media Services account information. Customer videos and related files are stored in the customer's Azure Storage account and remain unaffected by the discontinuation of Media Services. However, all account data, including streaming endpoints, live events, and resource metadata, is deleted as part of the hiring process.

Azure CDN also discontinues Akamai's Azure CDN standard

Since May 16, 2016, Azure has partnered with Akamai Technologies Inc. to offer Azure CDN Standard from Akamai. Azure and Akamai Technologies Inc. have decided not to renew this partnership. As a result, Azure CDN Standard services will no longer be supported by Akamai on October 31, 2023.

The Azure Media Player will also be discontinued on June 30, 2024.

Microsoft recommends that all customers switch in good time to avoid service interruptions. So if you're looking for an alternative now, be sure to check out our solutions.

3Q — video hosting and streaming CDN for professional use in companies

Use our fast media CDN, securely integrated into your own infrastructure at locations in the EU and Switzerland. We offer reliable streaming solutions that adapt to your organization's needs. And with our multi-CDN solution, your content is also available worldwide at any time.

Here are a few notable features you can expect from our platform:

Seamless video streaming: Experience high-quality video streaming without buffering. Our robust infrastructure ensures smooth playback and an excellent user experience.

Content Delivery Network (CDN): Deliver your media files quickly and efficiently to a global audience with our powerful CDN that optimizes performance and reduces latency.

Adaptive bitrate streaming: Give your viewers an exceptional streaming experience by automatically adjusting video quality to suit network conditions.

live broadcast: Engage your audience in real time with our reliable live streaming features. Stream your events, training, or product launches with viewers around the world.

Video analysis: Gain valuable insights into audience behavior, engagement, and performance of your content with our comprehensive video analytics tools. Make data-driven decisions to improve your media strategy.

If you need help migrating from Azure Media Services to the 3Q platform, feel free to contact us. Would you like to test our platform free of charge for 7 days? Gladly!