[2008-04-08]

Index feeds demand with MUFFIN, a management package for the distribution of digital mobile content

TechIndex contributes with a business oriented video distribution service


Tokyo, Japan, April 8, 2008 - Index Corporation (President: Yoshimi Ogawa, Head Office: Tokyo, Hereinafter: “Index”), an Index Holdings (President: Masami Ochiai, Head Office: Tokyo, Hereinafter: “Index HD”) subsidiary that specializes in providing mobile content and solutions, has launched an exciting new mobile solution package, “MUFFIN,” that distributes and manages the download of digital mobile content. Furthermore, NetIndex Inc. (President: Masayasu Uno, Head Office: Tokyo), an Index HD subsidiary, will help drive the expansion of video distribution to mobile phones through one of its subsidiaries, TechIndex Corporation (President: Yuuji Nagasawa, Head Office: Tokyo), which plans to provide services in the near future that capitalize on MUFFIN.

About MUFFIN
Content distribution providers now face an array of complicated challenges with the diversification of digital content delivery, the development of systems capable of processing a wide variety of content, and the complex range of issues presented by handling property rights. Moreover, these rapid changes within the mobile industry require companies to increase flexibility, reduce costs, and shorten development cycles in order to remain competitive. MUFFIN alleviates the burdens encountered by content distributors through total support of an extensive library of digital download content that includes management functions, content service registration assistance and more.

About the MUFFIN augmented TechIndex video distribution service
TechIndex aims to capitalize on the know-how cultivated through its data-center, video solution, and mobile site production businesses to promote the following points and expansion of service.

1. Large-scale video distribution development and operation
System development / data-center operations for a video distribution service that not only provides a platform for existing mobile phones, but accommodates next generation mobile devices, enables services for businesses with large-scale content, newly established MVNOs, car navigation providers and more. Additionally, TechIndex is willing to seek greater expansion through the launch of strategic cooperative ventures with select partners.

2. ASP Services
Provides cost efficient, convenient ASP video distribution services that take advantage of TechIndex’s data-center infrastructure for content holders, major Internet research companies, advertising agencies and more.

3. One-stop coordination of content management, distribution and more
TechIndex’s large capacity storage service works in combination with content management, distribution and a wide range of services.

Additionally, NetIndex is formulating strategies to produce value added services for the vast consumer base of the communications industry in cooperation with TechIndex’s launch of mobile video distribution services.


MUFFIN Features

1. A rich variety of digital content distribution (as of December 2007)
Distribution of “Chaku-uta Full” (full ringtones), “Chaku-uta” (ringtones), video, Flash, wallpaper, etc.
*“Deco-mail,” “Decoration-mail,” and “Arrange-mail,” are scheduled for distribution with electronic publications.

2. Convenient page and site construction with CMS
CMS enables even the least experienced user to comfortably create sites. Furthermore, as mobile devices become more sophisticated, the package continues to be effective for construction of pages with each carrier as well as XHTML/HTML.

3. Copyright management
The package is capable of generating required reports for copyright management organizations when distributing music content.

4. Official content
A full range of official billing systems, including monthly charged sites, free sites and point based services.
*Separate applications for each carrier are required.

5. Convenient management of registration for digital content
Systems are responsible for maintaining a complex array of data, however, the package’s registration and management functions enable users to conveniently manage such content and operations as download data, delivery meta-data, copyright /original right management data, merchandise data, digital content distribution and back-end site management. CSV may be quickly and easily introduced as well.

*“Chaku-uta,” and “Chaku-uta Full” are registered trademarks of Sony Music Entertainment.
*“Deco-mail” is a registered trademark of NTT DoCoMo.
*“Decoration-mail” is a registered brand and trademark of KDDI.
*“Arrange-mail” is a registered brand and trademark of Softbank Mobile.


Index Group Solutions & Infrastructure
The Index Group drives interactive media and mobile advancement through a wide range of distinctive services that capitalize on Internet connections to seamlessly link diversified people and businesses. The Index Group’s collective strength and extensive mobile know-how continually lead to the creation of exciting new solutions.