Synamedia unveiled as new name for ex-Cisco video business

The new business to be created from the sale of Cisco’s service provider video software solutions business to private-equity outfit Permira is to be called Synamedia.

Synamedia Logo (PRNewsfoto/Synamedia)

The name comes from the Greek Syna, meaning ‘together’, which the company says will reflect its ambition to bring together broadcast and OTT media services for consumers.

The Synamedia management team, led by chairman Abe Peled and CEO Yves Padrines, will outline the company’s vision and plans at IBC ahead of the acquisition, which is expected to close in the first half of next year.

Key areas of focus for the new company will include fighting content theft, based on enhancements to its VideoGuard technology including a forthcoming anti-piracy service for rapid detection of, and response to, illegal streaming. Other new offerings include VideoGuard Everywhere and VideoGuard Server support for Android devices.

Synamedia also plans to invest in its Evo middleware offering to support both one-way and ‘one and a half-way’ connected devices, offering DTH customers in emerging markets a pathway to offer advanced interactive services on connected set-top boxes including Android TV.

Synamedia’s Infinite Video Platform customers will meanwhile be given the choice of Android TV and RDK solutions for hybrid broadcast/IP services on multiple devices including set-tops, meaning that operators will have a choice of three operating platforms – Evo,Android TV and RDK – to meet their needs.

Other areas of focus for the company at IBC, where it will exhibit on the Cisco stand, include cloud DVR, including the combining of public and on-premise cloud storage to enhance delivery and comply with content licensing agreements and multi-cloud for disaster recovery. The company will also highlight multicast adaptive bit-rate streaming and a low-latency streaming demonstration.

“Synamedia enters the market at a time when the TV landscape is being redrawn. Building on a 30-year heritage in the pay-TV industry, a market leadership position, and an unrivalled reputation for innovation, we will hit the ground running as a private, independent entity committed to help customers boost engagement and revenues by capitalising on the myriad opportunities that IP distribution and cloud-based services bring,” said Peled.

“From day one we will be the vendor with the ability to deliver products on a global scale while also offering the flexibility required for market localization. We will intensify our focus on innovation, building even closer links with our customers and ensuring that we continue to provide the world’s most complete, secure and advanced end-to-end video delivery solution” said Padrines, incoming CEO of Synamedia and currently vice-president of global service provider for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Cisco.