Advanced Micro Devices this week announced an investment in CiiNow, a provider of cloud gaming technology that enables game publishers, retailers and carriers to tap into cloud video game market. AMD Ventures has invested in a technology provider building middleware for a cloud gaming solution that enables service providers to offer streaming of video games via the Internet.

The cloud gaming industry, which was once thought of as technologically impossible, is now disrupting the gaming market for both consumers and game publishers as more and more casual and hardcore gamers are making the jump to playing games online. CiiNow addresses this trend with the first cloud gaming solution powered by AMD Radeon graphics that offers a cost-effective, end-to-end solution that includes the full suite of required hardware and software components. CiiNow delivers a high-speed, low latency, streaming solution with up to eight HD streams per server blade, and up to 272 HD streams per server rack for HD quality game streaming instantly from the cloud for ubiquitous game streaming across all subscribers, devices and access technologies.

With the investment and strategic collaboration facilitated by AMD Ventures, AMD and CiiNnow will work jointly to enable the best online gaming experience possible through a vibrant worldwide developer ecosystem and differentiated hardware.

“CiiNOW is on the cutting-edge of online game streaming technology, and it is clear we share the same vision to drive the cloud gaming industry forward and ultimately provide the best gaming experience. AMD’s investment signifies our mutual drive to liberate gamers from today’s constraints and move us to the next era of digital content,” said Manju Hegde, corporate vice president of heterogeneous applications and developer solutions at AMD.

To further advance cloud gaming, CiiNow has announced the general availability of its gaming solution which provides a new, high speed platform powered by AMD Radeon graphics. CiiNow provides all components needed to create real time streaming service, from a flexible HTML5 UI to streaming technology for the data center. CiiNow's GFX and HybridGFX technology (patent pending) transmits compressed graphics commands (lossless) for maximum utilization of existing servers within data centers. The company’s patent-pending hardware and server management technology have been architected for scale, cost and ease of service deployment, making it easier than ever for game publishers and service providers to meet consumer demand for high-quality online multimedia services and entertainment.

CiiNow enhances the flexibility of cloud distribution by enabling streaming from cloud to target nearly all PCs, phones, tablets and STBs to make the streaming service ubiquitous across all subscribers, devices and access technologies.

“Game publishers, retailers and carriers now have a technology solution they can employ to deliver a best-in-class cloud gaming solution as the industry continues to transition from physical media to digital distribution,” said Ron Haberman, chief executive officer and co-founder of CiiNow.

Tags: CiiNow, AMD, Radeon, ATI, Southern Islands, GCN