Top-10 Cable Operator Suddenlink Communications Debuts Video-on-Demand Using SeaChange Software
Operator Combines Industry-Leading SeaChange VOD Software with Third-Party Servers; Centralized Operation Supports 23 Markets
ACTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Cable television subscribers in Texas, with more states to follow, are enjoying video-on-demand (VOD) movies and programs from cable operator Suddenlink Communications on one of the first platforms that has SeaChange International (NASDAQ: SEAC) VOD management software controlling third-party video servers. A top-10 U.S. cable operator, Suddenlink launched VOD by capitalizing on the open design of SeaChange's Axiom On Demand content delivery platform to deploy SeaChange software in a central location supporting Motorola video servers and delivering VOD content to 23 different markets.
Axiom software running at Suddenlink's College Station, Texas media operations center is controlling nine Motorola video servers to provide VOD to digital cable customers in a geographic region covering several thousand square miles. The one-of-a-kind operation receives content centrally; propagates the content across the Suddenlink backbone to video servers distributed throughout Suddenlink regions; and then streams content to subscribers.
"From the outset, our goal was to build a centralized VOD operation that spanned multiple DACs and markets, minimized equipment and network elements, and leveraged our national backbone while minimizing the need to have operational VOD personnel in every market," said Gregg Grigaitis, vice president, advanced technology, Suddenlink. "We identified SeaChange's Axiom software to serve as the heart of the system, driving our Motorola video servers. Given our longtime use of SeaChange's digital advertising systems, taking the incremental step to VOD was easy in that we were able to leverage existing operational facilities and resources. Looking ahead, we now have an infrastructure in place to easily support incremental VOD initiatives such as advertising and interactive applications."
"Opening Axiom software to third-party servers reflects SeaChange's commitment to helping operators easily deploy the types of advanced services that will drive subscriber growth and retention over the next decade," said Sanjiv More', senior director, advanced advertising & VOD sales, SeaChange. "Suddenlink's deployment of VOD reinforces that decision, giving them the flexibility to build their system and business to meet their specific needs and goals."
SeaChange's professional services team played a key role in building Suddenlink's VOD platform, operating as the primary integrator on the project and serving as the first point of contact for all related support issues. SeaChange professional services is a global team of seasoned industry experts comprising global field service and training, program and project management, custom engineering, operational support, and integration and consulting services. Suddenlink, which is already offering VOD in West Virginia, is introducing VOD services to customers market by market in a new rollout, which began in September in seven cities in West Texas.
About Suddenlink
Suddenlink is a top-10 U.S. cable broadband provider, supporting the information, communication and entertainment demands of approximately 1.3 million customers, most of whom live and work in eight states: North Carolina, West Virginia, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and California.
About SeaChange
SeaChange International is a leading provider of software applications, services and integrated solutions for video-on-demand (VOD), digital advertising, and content acquisition monetization and management. Its powerful open VOD and advertising software and scaleable hardware enable cable and telco operators, as well as broadcasters, to provide new on-demand services and to gain greater efficiencies in advertising and content delivery. With its Emmy Award-winning and patented technology, thousands of SeaChange deployments are helping broadband, broadcast and satellite television companies to streamline operations, expand services and increase revenues. Headquartered in Acton, Massachusetts, SeaChange has product development, support and sales offices around the world. Visit www.schange.com.
Source: SeaChange
Released October 28, 2008