Limelight signs Xbox Live deal with Microsoft

Technology supplier Limelight Networks has reached an agreement with Microsoft to provide the content delivery network for its Xbox Live online gaming service.

The deal will offer consumers "unprecedented online access to games, content and downloads" directly via Xbox Live, according to a statement. It's also been hinted that Limelight will feature in the next-generation Xbox online service.

"The Limelight Networks platform has demonstrated it can support the needs of Xbox Live subscribers today, and can scale with Xbox Live as we continue our rapid growth," said Xbox Live Operations Manager Eric Neustadter.

Nathan Raciborski, chief network architect for Limelight, added: "Microsoft's planned content and audience size presented massive performance and scalability requirements for this project.

"Our technology, distributed infrastructure, and proven delivery performance made Limelight the clear choice for delivery of high-speed downloads of Xbox Live content to a large and growing community of subscribers."

Limelight Networks, based in Tempe, Arizona, bills itself as the leading content delivery network for Internet distribution of video, games, music and downloads. The company's 400-strong list of clients includes DreamWorks, Belo Interactive and Valve Software.