Light Reading published an article saying that Belgacom is considering replacing its Nokia Siemens middleware. Light Reading thinks that Microsoft is the leading contender. The other major vendors supporting Microsoft are Arris/C-Cor for video on demand, Amino for set-top boxes, and Verimatrix for content security.
The Nokia Siemens middleware came from its acquisition of Myrio. Myrio's middleware was originally designed for the small U.S. independent telcos.
This is an interesting situation. It does not appear that Nokia Siemens has made the investment in the Myrio middleware to allow it to scale to meet Belgacom's needs and to support the next generation of interactive applications.
Microsoft's Mediaroom is an obvious candidate. I expect that Alcatel-Lucent will use its strong relationship with Belgacom to push the MyView middleware that it acquired from Telefonica. Thomson's middleware that is used by France Telecom should be another strong candidate.
It will be bad news for Arris/C-Cor, Amino, and Verimatrix if Belgacom its replaces Nokia Siemens middleware.
Showing posts with label Alcatel-Lucent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alcatel-Lucent. Show all posts
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Telco IPTV Network Architecture
I just published a post on my Telecom 2020 blog that you may find interesting. It discusses the new IPTV networking announcements by Alcatel-Lucent and Cisco and their limitations.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Cisco Introduces IPTV Enabled Edge Router
Cisco introduced its Aggregation Services Router (ASR) 9000 that will provide significant increases in performance over its work horse 7600 routers with a total of 6.4 terabits per second of capacity.
The ASR 9000 incorporates the Cisco Advanced Video Services Module (AVSM) with 4 terabyts of flash RAM storage that offers content caching, ad insertion, fast channel change and error correction of video streams. Fast channel change and onboard error correction for both unicast and multicast video traffic helps ensure that errors can be detected by any set-top box and retransmitted within milliseconds.
The AVSM capabilities of the AVSM provide similar capabilities to Alcatel-Lucent's TPSDA 2.0 approach that provides similar capabilities. Both approach will require support from the IPTV middleware to get their full effect.
The 4 TB of storage will be enough to store about 1,000 hours of HD content. This will be enough for the most popular video on demand assets but not for the long tail of for an extensive NPVR service. Cisco will have to add a lot more storage to really offload video traffic from the network as it is currently claiming. I will write a column for my Telco 2020 blog that will discuss this issue in more detail in a couple of days. I just don't think that a distributed approach will hold up over the long term.
The ASR 9000 incorporates the Cisco Advanced Video Services Module (AVSM) with 4 terabyts of flash RAM storage that offers content caching, ad insertion, fast channel change and error correction of video streams. Fast channel change and onboard error correction for both unicast and multicast video traffic helps ensure that errors can be detected by any set-top box and retransmitted within milliseconds.
The AVSM capabilities of the AVSM provide similar capabilities to Alcatel-Lucent's TPSDA 2.0 approach that provides similar capabilities. Both approach will require support from the IPTV middleware to get their full effect.
The 4 TB of storage will be enough to store about 1,000 hours of HD content. This will be enough for the most popular video on demand assets but not for the long tail of for an extensive NPVR service. Cisco will have to add a lot more storage to really offload video traffic from the network as it is currently claiming. I will write a column for my Telco 2020 blog that will discuss this issue in more detail in a couple of days. I just don't think that a distributed approach will hold up over the long term.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Chunghwa Backing Off Microsoft Mediaroom
It has been reported that Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan plans to shift more than 3,000 users currently trialing Microsoft Mediatoom to the Alcatel-Lucent-developed OMP. Chunghwa originally planned to switch its user base to MSTV in place of OMP but has not yet committed to the decision. Currently there are more than 80 channels available on CHTs OMP system but fewer than 40 channels through Microsoft's Mediaroom.
It has also been reported that Chunghwa has has further reduced the target number of its IPTV subscribers for the end of 2008 from 800,000 to 700,000. In July, Chunghwa lowered the target number from one million to 800,000. The company currently claims about 603,000 subscribers.
It is not clear what backing off of the Microsoft Mediaroom trial means. It could be that this is part of a long term transition plan or it could mean that Chunghwa is backing away from Mediaroom. Time will tell.
It has also been reported that Chunghwa has has further reduced the target number of its IPTV subscribers for the end of 2008 from 800,000 to 700,000. In July, Chunghwa lowered the target number from one million to 800,000. The company currently claims about 603,000 subscribers.
It is not clear what backing off of the Microsoft Mediaroom trial means. It could be that this is part of a long term transition plan or it could mean that Chunghwa is backing away from Mediaroom. Time will tell.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Jungo Fast Channel Change
Jungo has jumped into the fast channel change arena with a home gateway-based solution. Jungo's approach reduces channel switching overheads by employing using an enhancement of the regular IGMP Leave and Fast- Leave operations - otherwise known as 'Aggressive Leave' and the monitoring of available resources such as bandwidth and virtual circuits.
Jungo's software will identify when the viewer is channel zapping, that is quickly sending a sequence of channel up or down selections. In this case the channel changes can stack up because they come more quickly that the channel changes can be accomplished. In this case the Jungo software will skip to the last channel selected and skip the others in the stack.
For example, if the viewer is watching channel 43 and quickly presses the channel up button, a channel change to channel 44 will initiate. By the time channel 44 appears on the TV, four more channel change requests will have been received for channels 45, 46, 47, and 48. The Jungo software will discard the channel change requests to channels 45, 46, and 47 and jump to channel 48.
This illustrates how complex fast channel change is. The Microsoft and the Alcatel-Lucent approaches minimize the channel change time when the user selects a new channel from the electronic profile guide, say switching from channel 43 directly to channel 65. I don't think their approaches address the sequential channel change issue that Jungo is addressing. Maybe a fully optimized fast channel change will have to be implemented an multiple places in the network.
Jungo's software will identify when the viewer is channel zapping, that is quickly sending a sequence of channel up or down selections. In this case the channel changes can stack up because they come more quickly that the channel changes can be accomplished. In this case the Jungo software will skip to the last channel selected and skip the others in the stack.
For example, if the viewer is watching channel 43 and quickly presses the channel up button, a channel change to channel 44 will initiate. By the time channel 44 appears on the TV, four more channel change requests will have been received for channels 45, 46, 47, and 48. The Jungo software will discard the channel change requests to channels 45, 46, and 47 and jump to channel 48.
This illustrates how complex fast channel change is. The Microsoft and the Alcatel-Lucent approaches minimize the channel change time when the user selects a new channel from the electronic profile guide, say switching from channel 43 directly to channel 65. I don't think their approaches address the sequential channel change issue that Jungo is addressing. Maybe a fully optimized fast channel change will have to be implemented an multiple places in the network.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Alcatel-Lucent Targeted Ad System
Alcatel-Lucent introduced a targeted ad system based on its TPSDA 2.0 architecture that adds flash memory application storage to its access nodes, switches, and edge routers.
The targeted and interactive IPTV advertising system gives IPTV operators the ability to insert ads into TV programs that are aimed at particular communities of interest and even specific households. These ads are delivered using anonymous subscriber profiles based on service usage and demographic data authorized via an opt in process and retained in a protected repository by the service provider. The system incorporates subscriber data analysis and management capabilities to support ad targeting and audience measurement features to analyze the effectiveness and return on investment from particular campaigns.
The key elements in the system are:
The targeted and interactive IPTV advertising system gives IPTV operators the ability to insert ads into TV programs that are aimed at particular communities of interest and even specific households. These ads are delivered using anonymous subscriber profiles based on service usage and demographic data authorized via an opt in process and retained in a protected repository by the service provider. The system incorporates subscriber data analysis and management capabilities to support ad targeting and audience measurement features to analyze the effectiveness and return on investment from particular campaigns.
The key elements in the system are:
- A targeted ad insertion splicer and targeted ad insertion agent integrated into its TPSDA
- 5930 Interactive Media Manager which enables interactive applications and advertising campaigns
- 8660 Datagridsuite, 8920 Service Quality Manager, and 5410 Presence Server which unify subscriber data and measure responses
Microsoft has introduced its own ad insertion system last month at IBC and has not announced any support for the Alcatel-Lucent system.
This looks like a comprehensive approach that will enhance its own MiView and OMP middleware packages. Service providers that adopt Alcatel-Lucent's TPSDA 2.0 architecture should be able use this system as well. I don't think that it is tightly coupled with the middleware.
Alcatel-Lucent TPSDA 2.0 Steals Microsoft's Thunder
Alcatel-Lucent has introduced IPTV application awareness into its Triple Play Services Delivery Architecture (TPSDA) 2.0. It will add flash storage to its edge routers, its switches, and its access nodes that will support fast channel change, packet retransmission, and targeted ad insertion.
- For fast channel change the last few minutes of every multicast channel will be stored in the network and the new channel will be started immediately, eliminating the latency that typically occurs today. Alcatel-Lucent said that HD channel change time will be reduced from several seconds to well under a second.
- For packet retransmission the network will store enough packets to immediately service the packet retransmission request.
- For ad insertion targeted ads will be stored and inserted in the network.
If the service provider uses Alcatel-Lucent access nodes, these functions can be provided in the access network. These functions can also be provided in the Alcatel-Lucent switches or edge routers for service providers using Alcatel-Lucent's TPSDA 2.0 architecture.
Alcatel-Lucent has also discussed plans to increase the amount of storage in these network elements in order to support rewind TV and video on demand delivery.
TPSDA 2.0 can support these functions for service providers using access nodes from other manufacturers by implementing them in the switches and edge routers.
Microsoft has not announced any support for these network capabilities.
This is an interesting announcement. It enables middleware companies other than Microsoft to support fast channel change. This includes both the Alcatel-Lucent MiView and OMP middleware as well as other middleware from companies such as Thomson and Orca. This approach to fast channel change will eliminate one of Microsoft's most competitive features.
This approach will give service providers new flexibility in managing the bandwidth demands from an IPTV service, especially as more and more on demand and personalized services are provided. I think the flexibility that it gives in placing storage in the network will improve the ability of service providers to optimize their networks.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Alcatel-Lucent Analyst Conference
I spent most of last week at the Alcatel-Lucent Analyst Conference in Orlando, Florida. There was discussion of some announcements that will enhance IPTV services that the company will make next week at the Broadband World Forum. (I will post to the blog after the announcements.)
There was an interesting discussion of FTTP regulation in Europe. Alcatel-Lucent expects that Europe will adopt a duct sharing approach following France's example. It expects that carriers will be required to deploy their own fiber, but will be required to provide access to their ducts. The EU has published a FAQ on this subject with links to detailed analyses in the last footnote.
There was also a discussion of its plans to add Dynamic Spectrum Management (DSM), Level 3 to its DSL cards, which should boost the performance of VDSL from 30Mbps to 40 Mbps at 1 km starting in 2010. It also said that it expects to introduce 10 Gbps PON starting in 2011.
It was clear that Alcatel-Lucent has made significant progress in integrating its two parts. At its Analyst Conference in May 2007, it seemed that the Alcatel and Lucent parts of the organization were still quite separate. Last week it was clear that the company has done a lot to bring things together. There were a number of examples of joint projects.
It looks like the company is ready for its new CEO Ben Verwaayen to start pushing things forward. The company has not solved its problems, but at least it seems to be ready to make some progress.
There was an interesting discussion of FTTP regulation in Europe. Alcatel-Lucent expects that Europe will adopt a duct sharing approach following France's example. It expects that carriers will be required to deploy their own fiber, but will be required to provide access to their ducts. The EU has published a FAQ on this subject with links to detailed analyses in the last footnote.
There was also a discussion of its plans to add Dynamic Spectrum Management (DSM), Level 3 to its DSL cards, which should boost the performance of VDSL from 30Mbps to 40 Mbps at 1 km starting in 2010. It also said that it expects to introduce 10 Gbps PON starting in 2011.
It was clear that Alcatel-Lucent has made significant progress in integrating its two parts. At its Analyst Conference in May 2007, it seemed that the Alcatel and Lucent parts of the organization were still quite separate. Last week it was clear that the company has done a lot to bring things together. There were a number of examples of joint projects.
It looks like the company is ready for its new CEO Ben Verwaayen to start pushing things forward. The company has not solved its problems, but at least it seems to be ready to make some progress.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
China Telecom Selects Vendores
China Telecom announced the companies that its provincial operators should use for their IPTV services. For systems contracts, ZTE , UTStarcom, and Alcatel-Lucent were chosen.
For standard-definition set-top boxes ZTE, UTStarcom, Coship, Motorola, Huawei, Postcom, Sunniwell, Alcatel-Lucent, Yuxing, 30 Kaitian and Changhong. The provincial operators should give preference to these companies in the order that they are listed.
For high-definition set-top boxes ZTE, UTStarcom, Alcatel-Lucent, Postcom and Changhong.
The prices for terminal equipment have been set and the provincial operators are not allowed to renegotiate prices.
This should clear the way for China Telecom's provincial operators to ramp up their IPTV efforts. This is likely to significantly accelerate the IPTV services in China, which has basically been limited to the Shanghai area until now.
For standard-definition set-top boxes ZTE, UTStarcom, Coship, Motorola, Huawei, Postcom, Sunniwell, Alcatel-Lucent, Yuxing, 30 Kaitian and Changhong. The provincial operators should give preference to these companies in the order that they are listed.
For high-definition set-top boxes ZTE, UTStarcom, Alcatel-Lucent, Postcom and Changhong.
The prices for terminal equipment have been set and the provincial operators are not allowed to renegotiate prices.
This should clear the way for China Telecom's provincial operators to ramp up their IPTV efforts. This is likely to significantly accelerate the IPTV services in China, which has basically been limited to the Shanghai area until now.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Three Screen Strategies
This week three interesting three screen were announced or shown at NXTcomm.
Verimatrix introduced its content security system for mobile applications. It now provides a single system that can support TVs, PCs, and mobile devices. Verimatrix has also added support for other security technologies into its system such as OMA DRM, Microsoft DRM, and Marlin DRM as well as its own VCAS DRM. This gives the service provider the ability to deploy a single system that can support a broad set of content security technologies.
Ericsson's Tandberg TV demonstrated a three screen metadata system that gives service providers to manage the metadata for their video assets including the ability to supplement the metadata delivered with the asset with additional metadata that is available from Internet sources. It also gives users the ability to browse and search this metadata with a very attractive interface from either the PC or a mobile device.
Alcatel-Lucent gave a demonstration at NXTcomm of three screen technology based on the Microsoft Mediaroom DVR capability. This system copies the content that the viewer records on the DVR to a network server and then provides access to these private network assets from both a PC and a mobile device. The network provides a catalog of what is available and the handles the format and compression conversion required to display on either the PC or the mobile device. A viewer can automatically record their favorite programs and then view them using either a PC or a mobile device while they are on the road.
Three screen TV is moving from hype to reality. Both Verimatrix and Tandberg TV now have products that add real value. The Alcatel-Lucent demonstration is quite interesting but raises a number of issues that need to be addressed. For example, the content providers may object to this use of their assets. There are also real privacy issues when you take private content and put it onto a network.
Verimatrix introduced its content security system for mobile applications. It now provides a single system that can support TVs, PCs, and mobile devices. Verimatrix has also added support for other security technologies into its system such as OMA DRM, Microsoft DRM, and Marlin DRM as well as its own VCAS DRM. This gives the service provider the ability to deploy a single system that can support a broad set of content security technologies.
Ericsson's Tandberg TV demonstrated a three screen metadata system that gives service providers to manage the metadata for their video assets including the ability to supplement the metadata delivered with the asset with additional metadata that is available from Internet sources. It also gives users the ability to browse and search this metadata with a very attractive interface from either the PC or a mobile device.
Alcatel-Lucent gave a demonstration at NXTcomm of three screen technology based on the Microsoft Mediaroom DVR capability. This system copies the content that the viewer records on the DVR to a network server and then provides access to these private network assets from both a PC and a mobile device. The network provides a catalog of what is available and the handles the format and compression conversion required to display on either the PC or the mobile device. A viewer can automatically record their favorite programs and then view them using either a PC or a mobile device while they are on the road.
Three screen TV is moving from hype to reality. Both Verimatrix and Tandberg TV now have products that add real value. The Alcatel-Lucent demonstration is quite interesting but raises a number of issues that need to be addressed. For example, the content providers may object to this use of their assets. There are also real privacy issues when you take private content and put it onto a network.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Alcatel-Lucent Improves IPTV Network Architecture
Alcatel-Lucent announced improvements to its Triple Play Service Delivery Architecture (TPSDA) that includes:
These architectures will clearly be important for insuring QoE for VoIP and mobile services. It is still not clear to me that it will be effective for IPTV traffic as IPTV moves from a broadcast/multicast approach to an on demand/unicast approach. Unicast TV will saturate these networks and be quite difficult to manage using packet based techniques.
- Increased capacity and density
- Policy enforcement with per-subscriber resolution
- The equivalent of 19.2 million queues per telecom rack, which enables more fine-grain service control to ensure each service is delivered with the appropriate Quality of Experience (QoE) and uses network resources in the most efficient manner
- PPPoE termination, which facilitates the smooth migration of legacy networks to TPSDA
- A reporting and analysis system which provides tools to warehouse, aggregate and process per subscriber application-level statistics
These architectures will clearly be important for insuring QoE for VoIP and mobile services. It is still not clear to me that it will be effective for IPTV traffic as IPTV moves from a broadcast/multicast approach to an on demand/unicast approach. Unicast TV will saturate these networks and be quite difficult to manage using packet based techniques.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Chunghwa Telecom Starting Microsoft Deployment
According to an article in the Taiwan Economic News, Chungwha Telecom now has 10 thousand IPTV subscribers on its Microsoft Mediaroom platform. Microsoft and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom will launch the IPTV Ecosystem Development Center in Taiwan to focus on the IPTV market. This operation will work with Taiwan`s set-top box makers and content providers to tap markets overseas.
Chunghwa is using Tatung set-top boxes to support its 10 thousand Mediaroom subscribers. It is using Asustek and Hon Hai set-top boxes for its 480 thousand Alcatel-Lucent's OMP middleware, giving it a current total of 490 thousand IPTV subscribers.
This is the start of the insertion of Microsoft's Mediaroom into Chunghwa's IPTV service. It took Chunghwa several years to convert 40 thousand Orca subscribers to Alcatel-Lucent's OMP. It will be interesting to see how this process will work for Mediaroom.
Chunghwa is using Tatung set-top boxes to support its 10 thousand Mediaroom subscribers. It is using Asustek and Hon Hai set-top boxes for its 480 thousand Alcatel-Lucent's OMP middleware, giving it a current total of 490 thousand IPTV subscribers.
This is the start of the insertion of Microsoft's Mediaroom into Chunghwa's IPTV service. It took Chunghwa several years to convert 40 thousand Orca subscribers to Alcatel-Lucent's OMP. It will be interesting to see how this process will work for Mediaroom.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Telecom Italia Rejects Microsoft Mediaroom
Apparently Telecom Italia made a decision not to use the Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV software system that it had been testing its its labs for the last several years. The reports are that Telefonica preferred that that Telecom Italia use the MyView middleware software that it developed. Alcatel-Lucent took over the development and marketing of this package in 2006.
Telecom Italia has been using Alcatel-Lucent's OMP system since its IPTV service was introduced.
While this is a significant blow, Microsoft still has a large number of tier 1 service providers using its Mediaroom software. This loss does not threaten the eventual market dominance that we projected for Microsoft in our report Global Opportunities in Wireline Broadband Networks.
It is clear that Telecom Italia will need to move from OMP to another middleware package. Moving to My View will at least keep it within the Alcatel-Lucent orbit.
Telecom Italia has been using Alcatel-Lucent's OMP system since its IPTV service was introduced.
While this is a significant blow, Microsoft still has a large number of tier 1 service providers using its Mediaroom software. This loss does not threaten the eventual market dominance that we projected for Microsoft in our report Global Opportunities in Wireline Broadband Networks.
It is clear that Telecom Italia will need to move from OMP to another middleware package. Moving to My View will at least keep it within the Alcatel-Lucent orbit.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Manitoba Telecom Adopts Alcatel-Lucent and Microsoft
Manitoba Telecom (MTS) will switch to Alcatel-Lucent access systems and Microsoft software for its IPTV software system. MTS has over 75 thousand IPTV subscribers for its service that has been in operation for the last five years.
The MTS IPTV system was based originally based on Motorola VDSL access systems that it stopped actively marketing two years ago. MTS is also using Seachange video on demand systems and Widevine content security systems.
MTS plans to deploy the Alcatel-Lucent/Microsoft system on a limited basis in 2008.
It has been clear that MTS would change its strategy since Motorola ceased actively marketing its original VDSL systems two years ago. Its selection of Microsoft is a vote of confidence for Microsoft. MTS clearly understands the issues involved in offering IPTV systems and has decided that Microsoft can meet its needs.
The MTS IPTV system was based originally based on Motorola VDSL access systems that it stopped actively marketing two years ago. MTS is also using Seachange video on demand systems and Widevine content security systems.
MTS plans to deploy the Alcatel-Lucent/Microsoft system on a limited basis in 2008.
It has been clear that MTS would change its strategy since Motorola ceased actively marketing its original VDSL systems two years ago. Its selection of Microsoft is a vote of confidence for Microsoft. MTS clearly understands the issues involved in offering IPTV systems and has decided that Microsoft can meet its needs.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Telenor to Offer FTTH and IPTV in 2008
Telenor, the incumbent carrier in Norway, stated that it will roll out IPTV service in 2008. There are rumors that Telenor will use Thomson's middleware software, but there is no confirmation at this time.
Telenor has also has been mandated to provide broadband access to 100 percent of the 2 million homes in the country. It plans to use a combination GPON, VDSL, ADSL, and WiMAX to reach all households. It plans to rollout GPON in the cities to counter strong competition from competitive FTTH providers. It plans to install Alcatel-Lucent VDSL capable DSLAMs in areas where fiber is not appropriate. It had been using Nokia DSLAMs, but apparently is dissatisfied with their performance. It is using Airspan for its WiMAX deployment, which has already begun.
Telenor is one of the last Western European incumbents to commit to IPTV. Its fiber based competitors have been delivering IPTV service for several years already so Telenor has a lot of catching up to do.
Telenor has also has been mandated to provide broadband access to 100 percent of the 2 million homes in the country. It plans to use a combination GPON, VDSL, ADSL, and WiMAX to reach all households. It plans to rollout GPON in the cities to counter strong competition from competitive FTTH providers. It plans to install Alcatel-Lucent VDSL capable DSLAMs in areas where fiber is not appropriate. It had been using Nokia DSLAMs, but apparently is dissatisfied with their performance. It is using Airspan for its WiMAX deployment, which has already begun.
Telenor is one of the last Western European incumbents to commit to IPTV. Its fiber based competitors have been delivering IPTV service for several years already so Telenor has a lot of catching up to do.
AVS Creating Lockout in China
Products from UTStarcom, ZTE, Huawei and Alcatel Shanghai Bell have been checked and accepted following tests carried out in Dalian in October 2007. The tests are targeting the application of products using home-developed AVS video compression technology on China Netcom's pilot AVS-IPTV system, which has operated steadily for more than six months.
Overseas equipment providers did not join in the tests, because they mainly support foreign standards, such as MEPG4 and H.264.
Apparently China Netcom will only adopt the AVS video compression standard in its IPTV deployment if the tests in Dalian are successful, aimed at avoiding high patent fees from using foreign standards. If equipment providers do not adopt AVS, they will lose the opportunity in China's market.
Currently China Telecom has not standardized on AVS and is using MPEG-4. Using AVS will be a requirement for the headends, the set-top boxes, and the video on demand systems in particular. If AVS takes hold in China, other companies will adopt it in order to gain access to this very large IPTV market.
Overseas equipment providers did not join in the tests, because they mainly support foreign standards, such as MEPG4 and H.264.
Apparently China Netcom will only adopt the AVS video compression standard in its IPTV deployment if the tests in Dalian are successful, aimed at avoiding high patent fees from using foreign standards. If equipment providers do not adopt AVS, they will lose the opportunity in China's market.
Currently China Telecom has not standardized on AVS and is using MPEG-4. Using AVS will be a requirement for the headends, the set-top boxes, and the video on demand systems in particular. If AVS takes hold in China, other companies will adopt it in order to gain access to this very large IPTV market.
Belgacom to deploy Alcatel-Lucent VDSL
Belgacom will deploy 14 thousand VDSL nodes using Alcatel systems. It will use Alcatel-Lucent VDSL systems to support HD services starting in 2008. Belgacom had 190 thousand IPTV subscribers at the end of June 2007.
This shows that HD is about to become an important factor in Europe and will cause service providers to upgrade their networks, often to VDSL. The shorter loop lengths in Europe make VDSL a better approach than it is in the U.S.
This shows that HD is about to become an important factor in Europe and will cause service providers to upgrade their networks, often to VDSL. The shorter loop lengths in Europe make VDSL a better approach than it is in the U.S.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Alcatel-Lucent Buys Tamblin for Interactive Advertising
Alcatel-Lucent has acquired Tamblin to strengthen its capability to provided interactive IPTV advertising. Tamblin is a UK company with 13 people that offers a software system called i-ZoneTV that allows TV service providers and broadcasters to build interactive advertising applications and audience response capabilities into their services. Its system is currently being used by the BBC, BskyB, and ITV in the UK. The company has also integrated its software into Microsoft's Mediaroom TelcoTV software package.
Alcatel-Lucent has been quite serious about the personalization of ITPV services and advertising for a long time. It has been working on its on personalization and audience measurements strategies. It looks like this acquisition is a real coup given Tamblin's key role in the very active UK interactive TV market.
Alcatel-Lucent has been quite serious about the personalization of ITPV services and advertising for a long time. It has been working on its on personalization and audience measurements strategies. It looks like this acquisition is a real coup given Tamblin's key role in the very active UK interactive TV market.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Telefonica buys into Telecom Italia
A consortium led by Telefonica is poised to spend 5.15B euros for a 23.6 percent stake in Telecom Italia. The consortium will buy Olimpia, the holding company that owns 15 percent of Telecom Italia. The members of the consortium already own 5.6 percent of Telecom Italia.
This is a bit outside of what I usually include in the blog, but I wanted to mention that this could affect Microsoft's prospects. Telecom Italia is using Alcatel-Lucent's OMP IPTV middleware but is still evaluating Microsoft's IPTV Edition middleware in its labs.
Alcatel-Lucent also the MiView TV IPTV middleware which was originally developed by Telefonica. I expect that Telefonica will encourage Telecom Italia to adopt this middleware software.
This is a bit outside of what I usually include in the blog, but I wanted to mention that this could affect Microsoft's prospects. Telecom Italia is using Alcatel-Lucent's OMP IPTV middleware but is still evaluating Microsoft's IPTV Edition middleware in its labs.
Alcatel-Lucent also the MiView TV IPTV middleware which was originally developed by Telefonica. I expect that Telefonica will encourage Telecom Italia to adopt this middleware software.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Alcatel-Lucent to Develop MyView
Alcatel-Lucent stated that it plans to continue development of the MyView middleware package that Lucent acquired from Telefonica of Spain last year. This is in addition to its continued support of the Microsoft IPTV Edition software.
MyView is a good backup software strategy for Alcatel-Lucnet. It would be difficult for Alcatel-Lucent to revive the OMP middleware product that it backed off from when it announced its partnership with Microsoft two years ago. MyView supports 300,000 IPTV subscribers with Telefonica's South American subsidiaries as they introduce IPTV services. Who know, if the Microsoft package does not sort itself out soon, MyView is waiting in the wings.
MyView is a good backup software strategy for Alcatel-Lucnet. It would be difficult for Alcatel-Lucent to revive the OMP middleware product that it backed off from when it announced its partnership with Microsoft two years ago. MyView supports 300,000 IPTV subscribers with Telefonica's South American subsidiaries as they introduce IPTV services. Who know, if the Microsoft package does not sort itself out soon, MyView is waiting in the wings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
