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Cable Technology Feature Article

February 06, 2014

Wheelings & Dealings: Ericsson Nabs Azuki to Bolster Multiscreen Video Capabilities

By Tara Seals, TMCnet Contributor


Ericsson is planning to acquire Massachusetts-based Azuki Systems (News - Alert), which provides TV Everywhere and multiscreen delivery platforms for service providers, content owners and broadcasters. The goal, it would seem, is for the Swedish infrastructure giant to extend its multiscreen and over-the-top video prowess.

Azuki Systems was founded in 2008 and is based in Acton, Mass. Its technology supports IP and OTT video delivery to various screens, with personalization options and next-generation user interfaces. Through Azuki, Ericsson (News - Alert) will also gain additional key functionality related to the deployment of TV Everywhere services, including adaptive bit rate (ABR) and content protection technologies; it also enables multiple monetization options, beyond portals and authentication services. Azuki’s customers are cable operators, IPTV (News - Alert) providers, mobile network operators and content owners.

"Service providers, content owners and broadcasters face a range of challenges as they race to make content available on any device,” said Cheng Wu, CEO and co-founder of Azuki Systems. “Through worldwide deployments of our proven next-generation video delivery solution, we have helped accelerate deployment and monetization of TV Anywhere services. Continuing this work as part of Ericsson will ensure that customers globally will have the most advanced support as they aim to deliver the best services for their subscribers."

Azuki Systems enriches Ericsson's TV and media portfolio further, which recently got a big boost from the high-profile acquisition of the Mediaroom IPTV platform from Microsoft (News - Alert).

"We are executing on our TV and media strategy, and Azuki adds key technologies and capabilities to extend our market leadership position,” said Per Borgklint, senior vice president and head of business unit support solutions at Ericsson. “Traditional TV is shifting rapidly towards TV Anywhere. Azuki Systems further positions Ericsson to help customers deliver on the networked society's global demand for customized and personalized media experiences that include content on any screen, any time across any network."

The acquisition is expected to close before the end of February, subject to customary closing conditions. Azuki will be incorporated into the business unit support solutions division. Ericsson also plans to bring Azuki’s software engineers on board; the company has 49 employees.




Edited by Cassandra Tucker


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