Microsoft has been angling for a position in the cable business ever since the company invested $1 billion in Comcast in 1997. After a few failed attempts, it would appear the software giant has finally hit its stride and now stands poised to become a major video-delivery player, thanks in large part to Blair Westlake. Westlake, who joined Microsoft in 2004 after more than 20 years in the entertainment business including stints at Universal Television & Networks Group and Gemstar-TV Guide International, is being honored with a Digital Leadership Award at an opportune moment. The software power made inroads into multichannel video via carriage deals with Comcast and Verizon Communications that allow authenticated customers to receive programming through Microsoft's Xbox360 gaming console. But the company's biggest and most wide-reaching arrangement has resulted in the recent launch of service with Time Warner Cable, whose customers now have access to all of the MSO's programming using the Xbox360.
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