Advanced Television

Video delivery platforms market to double by 2017

August 28, 2012

TV Everywhere and OTT video, including Comcast Xfinity, HBO Go, Netflix, iPlayer, and Sky Go are growing rapidly. Making this possible are several groups of companies responsible for video delivery and management. The companies, including online video platforms (OVPs), managed video platforms (MVPs), content management systems (CMSs), and content delivery networks (CDNs) are all growing at impressive rates. In 2012, revenues for video platforms distributing video on behalf of media & entertainment companies (including cable & satellite distributors) worldwide will reach $2.1 billion, and will grow to over $4 billion in 2017, says ABI Research.

Well-known CDN, Akamai, has a commanding lead of the video delivery market, with about $475 million in 2011. CDNs generally are responsible for finding optimal routes for the video, and storing copies close to consumers to ensure a high quality of delivery. KIT Digital, suffering through serious growing pains in early 2012, leads the market for content management systems with nearly $175 million video delivery revenues from media & entertainment companies in 2011. Brightcove is the largest OVP with $64 million in 2011 media & entertainment revenues. Synacor, who primarily hosts websites for Cable MSOs, leads out the MVP market with nearly $91 million in 2011 revenues.

Many of these companies claim the same competencies in video delivery, according to Sam Rosen, practice director of TV & video at ABI Research. However, each offers a unique piece of the solution. Smaller content owners and those wanting social media integration and simple platforms lean to online video platforms (OVPs). Managed video platforms (MVPs) are helpful for operators that dont have the technical expertise to deliver a video service, and want a turnkey solution. Content management systems (CMSs) are attractive to the largest operators with diverse assets and a desire to manage all their video centrally. Finally, content delivery networks (CDNs) handle the logistics of video delivery for nearly all the players.

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