Microsoft purchases Peer5 to improve live video streaming in Teams

Microsoft logo
Microsoft logo (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft acquired Peer5 to improve live video streaming in Microsoft Teams.
  • Peer5 offers an Enterprise Content Delivery Networks solution that helps organizations stream content at scale.
  • Customers will be able to continue to use Peer5 services.

Microsoft highlights that Peer5's technology "does not require additional installation on user endpoints or changes to the physical network infrastructure." It also runs in-browser, which optimizes bandwidth usage.

"To manage the new world of hybrid work, companies are relying on live streaming to interact with their workforce, now more than ever," says Microsoft's Nicole Herskowitz. "From company-wide trainings to global all-hand meetings and townhalls, internal broadcasts are crucial for reaching and engaging with employees."

Microsoft also explains the benefits of Peer5's eCDN solution:

Peer5 offers a WebRTC-based eCDN solution that runs in-browser to optimize bandwidth usage helping mitigate impacts to network and line of business (LOB) applications. Its mesh networks are self-balancing and automatically scale as the number of viewers increase. The technology does not require additional installation on user endpoints or changes to the physical network infrastructure. Additionally, the Peer5 solution will allow Microsoft to provide a first-party offering to help customers streamline purchase process and customer support, improving their enterprise IT management experience.

While Microsoft has acquired Peer5, it will continue to support eCDN solutions from its certified partners. Current Peer5 customers will be able to continue to use Peer5 services as well.

Microsoft promises more information regarding its purchase of Peer5 in the future.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.