Advanced Television

Akamai includes UltraViolet solutions

January 9, 2012

In a further boost to digital content ownership models such as UltraViolet, cloud platform Akamai has introduced technology advancements for the rapidly evolving online entertainment industry in the areas of security and delivery, as well broader support for emerging business models.

Building on its Intelligent Platform, Akamai has introduced new solutions to enhance its next-generation broadcast solution – the Akamai HD Network – offering advanced monetisation capabilities, business model flexibility and simplified workflow to reach a growing device landscape.

“Cloud computing, ubiquitous connectivity, and the increasing consumption of IP video are driving content providers to move more content to the cloud and users to expect access to content on multiple devices,” said Bill Wheaton, Senior Vice President of Digital Media at Akamai. “Akamai is committed to reducing the complexities of the hyperconnected world by providing a platform that delivers the best user experience, securely, for any device type. By helping our customers solve the business challenges across security, multi-device delivery and analytics, we’re continuing to enable them to focus on their core business strategies.”

Akamai notes that the acceptance of cloud computing, as well as advances in connected device and mobile technology, has led to increased viewing of IP video, but recognises that it also opened the door for piracy and unauthorised consumption of content. As a result, the entertainment industry faces increasing complexities around entitlement, access, monetisation, quality and security.

To help companies navigate the changing landscape and meet consumer expectations, Akamai is announcing a range of initiatives, including standardising on HTTP as the primary delivery protocol, which includes HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and Smooth HD Streaming for delivery across the Akamai HD Network.

In terms of Digital Asset Security, Akamai has developed Akamai SecureHD, a highly-scalable, cloud-based security solution that includes four protection capabilities: token authorisation, player verification, media encryption and content targeting.

Akamai suggests that as it is positioned at the heart of the digital media ecosystem, it has the experience, scale and relationships to help bring new business models such as TV Everywhere and UltraViolet to market.

Akamai acts as an integration point between the players in the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE), the consortium of leading movie studios, technology providers, consumer device makers, entertainment retailers and video service providers powering UltraViolet.

To assist content providers and entertainment retailers in meeting consumers’ demands for accessing content on multiple devices, the Akamai for UltraViolet solution is now available to support library-style entitlement models through a simplified workflow, an intelligent cloud-based delivery platform, and broad security measures.

“B2B service providers like Akamai are utilising UltraViolet’s open-specs design ability to accelerate retailers’ and other service providers’ deployment, with premium-quality enablement and delivery on a rapid-deployment and cost-efficient basis,” said Mark Teitell, general manager of DECE. “Akamai is helping the deployment of UltraViolet move to the next phase as we continue to seek to provide consumers with access to their favourite movies and TV shows in ways never thought possible.”

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