New technology and the associated
networks bring a new dimension to images and sound.
Located near Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, significant
potential exists today for multimedia development with
a dynamic centred on activities linked to computers, telecommunications
and digital audiovisual production.
The development of the Internet linked
to new compression standards makes the Web the main
channel for the transport and distribution of images
and sounds.
High-speed broadband, e-commerce, on-line interactive catalogues, and
in future, UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone Service), will all enable
digital images, 3D, stereoscopic images, and animation to assume considerable
economic importance and enhance the expertise already existing in Provence
in the image and animation industries.
Equally, network security, encryption
of information and the preservation of copyright and
reproduction rights of work in immaterial form are
subjects being researched by international companies
located in Provence.
In the micro-electronic sector, this
includes ST Microelectronics, Gemplus, Atmel, Inside
Technologies and Peregrine Semi-conductors Europe...
Multimedia technology also plays an
important role in aeronautics (Eurocopter), and in
the micro-electronic industry (representing 35 % of
national production – Thomson, Atmel) which is
concentrating on activities such as 3D simulation or
mobile services.
Telecommunication operators
The telecommunication operators are the main distribution channels in Provence.
They co-operate with content producers and suppliers of high-tech tools
to develop their new multimedia activities such as e-commerce, mobile services
and high-speed broadband services for companies.
Marseille is now a centre of expertise for services that require a large-bandwidth
network. Not only is the city the second most important telecommunications
market in France, it is also the second HUB with more then 40 established
operators such as France Telecom, LdCom, Telecom Italia, Complétel
and Colt.
Computer engineering and
integration service companies
Computer engineering and integration
service companies are the biggest consumers and distribution
operators (towards businesses and the public sector)
of multimedia, with an emphasis on developing a collective
approach to solutions or teleservices.
A number of national and international SSII’s are
located in Provence, near Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.
Steria, for example, is a specialist in information management
and financial solutions, while IBM specialises in electronic
document management.
Tertiary services
Advanced tertiary services (banks, insurance companies,
consulting companies) and especially financial services are the premier
economic participants to develop applications on the Internet. They participate
in the progress of multimedia platforms for e-commerce.
In 2004, the BNP Parisbas bank plans to open a multiservice
platform, while Société Générale will centralise
its data processing operations and intends to create a multimedia centre
for its clients.
AOL has set up its client service centre in Marseille, which is another
example of the city’s ability to advance co-operation and distribute
interactive content.
With 9 million visitors a year, Provence has great potential
to develop multimedia services connected with tourism. Cityvox, for example,
is a city Web guide which has recently relocated to Marseille. It is
at the centre of a European project to circulate information on PDA (portable
digital assistants) for professionals in the cruise holiday industry
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