Sony 1999 Annual Report Download - page 16

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14
page
Sony Corporation Annual Report 1999
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, Sony won significant orders
from major U.S. TV network CBS, Italian national broadcaster RAI, and Canadian national
public broadcaster CBC. Separately, in the field of professional-use video equipment, Sony is
promoting a broad range of new businesses by leveraging its image compression technology
and other expertise that have earned a reputation for excellence in the field of broadcast-
use video equipment.
To create new network-related businesses, Sony also operates Digital Network Solutions
(DNS), a business unit under the direct supervision of the group headquarters. DNS devel-
ops platforms for network-related businesses that are closely tailored to the needs of cus-
tomers. DNS intends to support the building of network services for the distribution of not
only digital content, such as music and movies, but also insurance and financial services.
Sony Communication Network Corporation (SCN), which is under the supervision of DNS,
operates So-net, an internet service. So-net has quickly grown into one of Japan’s largest
internet service providers since starting operations in January 1996. As of March 1999,
So-net had more than 500,000 registered subscribers. Future plans at SCN call for more
network services to fuel further growth in the user base. In this way, SCN will continue
working toward establishing its site as an attractive internet portal.
PRODUCTS FOR THE DIGITAL NETWORK ERA
During the year, products including Digital Handycam home-use camcorders, MiniDisc (MD)
systems, VAIO home-use PCs, and Wega color TVs performed well. These products have such
features as quality images and sound as well as easy operation and sophisticated designs.
In addition, Sony has been quick to incorporate network era technologies and functions.
Through the new Network Company structure, Sony aims to enhance the competitiveness of
its products and to offer entirely new forms of enjoyment by combining digital and net-
work technologies.