OnLive, the streaming PC game service, is now branching out into more "serious" applications for its cloud-based technology. The company sent out a press release this week announcing that it is teaming up with Juniper Networks. Not only will Juniper become the exclusive provider for OnLive"s network infrastructure but the two companies will "jointly develop cloud-based services for the enterprise that will deliver a media-rich, interactive experience to mobile, desktop and presentation devices—instantly, simply and securely from any location."
The end result of all this is that OnLive is getting into the remote PC business. Using Juniper Networks" Junos Pulse client software, the OnLive service will let businesses and individuals access applications on their home PC from another PC, iPad, Android device or even an OnLive-enabled television. OnLive claims that with their technology accessing those applications from a remote connection "would be indistinguishable from a local one."
Launched just over a year ago, OnLive has concentrated on offering streaming game services for the PC and Mac along with TVs connected to OnLive"s MicroConsole. This week"s announcement is the first step for OnLive to have its streaming technology used for other services. Indeed OnLive has hinted that it could provide streaming videos on its service which would make it a rival to Netflix.
Last month, OnLive announced that the first televisions that would offer direct connections to the service would be released later this fall. Android-based tablets and smartphones with OnLive support are also in the works. The service, which is currently available only in North America, is also expected to expand to the UK later this year.