Sigma Systems Launches IP Video Services Accelerator Fulfillment Solution for Cable Operators

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Jun 13, 2011) - (The Cable Show) -- Sigma Systems, an industry leader in Advanced IP Service Fulfillment solutions, today introduced its IP Video Services Accelerator Solution. For the first time, cable (MSOs) can manage an integrated profile of subscriber, device and cloud-layer provisioning from a single back-office solution. This solution enables MSOs to fulfill and embrace any advanced IP video service, including over-the-top (OTT) video and deliver integrated entertainment service bundles. It also shortens the time and cost of migrating existing digital video subscribers to premium IP entertainment services.

The IP Video Services Accelerator incorporates a number of firsts that enable a "TV Everywhere" experience:

• MSOs can provision and support linear and IP video simultaneously, allowing them to control their migration timetable.
• MSOs can provision a variety of next-generation video delivery platforms, including TiVo, Arris Moxi, NDS, Microsoft Mediaroom and more. Sigma Systems is the only OSS vendor that has created solution adapters to support and integrate with these platforms.
• The IP Video Services Accelerator lets MSOs provision and manage all the services and applications delivered by IP residential home gateways managed by Sigma Systems' automated Device Provisioning Manager (DPM). The company's Service Management Platform (SMP) also enables MSOs to provision and manage all services and applications to these gateways.

"The traditional, vertically integrated model of delivering pay-TV services is rigid, especially compared to more advanced offerings from OTT providers," said Brian Cappellani, CTO and vice president of Engineering, Sigma Systems. "Our IP Video Services Accelerator knocks down service silos, enabling MSOs to deliver value-added entertainment services and provide integrated support for linear video services."

Solution Orchestrates Subscriber and Device Entitlements
Subscribers access video in a variety of ways, via video delivery platforms such as TiVo and via third-party content providers. However, subscribers must be authorized and entitled to access and view content from each device they use. Sigma Systems' IP Video Services Accelerator orchestrates these processes automatically, mapping the subscribers' identity and their entitlements to all video platforms and devices in the entertainment value chain.

Sigma Systems' SMP platform allows subscribers to view advanced video and other entertainment services on multiple screens in the home (PC, television and more) and on mobile devices, including the iPad.

Sigma Systems' new solution also provides one integrated image of the subscriber's profile for both digital and IP video. For example, someone who subscribes to traditional Digital TV/VOD service may also subscribe to a premium IP video service, and this hybrid environment may exist for some time. Accurately orchestrating all authorizations, entitlements and provisioning of entertainment services to multiple devices is a key to effectively managing operational costs and reducing customer churn. For existing Sigma Systems' customers, this integrated image is managed by Sigma Systems' SMP. For operators that are using other legacy OSS or BSS systems, Sigma Systems' new offering enables MSOs to migrate their linear video subscribers to an advanced IP video offering, giving MSOs a choice for supporting and delivering enhanced entertainment services.

By eliminating operational silos, and by providing one integrated subscriber entitlements image, Sigma Systems enables a simple, logical migration from legacy to IP video. MSOs can manage this migration at the pace of their business, and the IP Video Services Accelerator gives them the flexibility to migrate in stages by serving area, network segmentation and even customer profile.

"Consumers have an insatiable appetite for value-added entertainment and are starting to consume it from a variety of devices, including traditional set-top boxes, IP set-tops and even home residential gateways," said Alan Breznick, senior analyst at Heavy Reading. "Enabling a 'TV Everywhere' experience offers financial and strategic value to cable operators, boosting their existing revenues and generating new revenue streams without driving away current or potential customers. With this IP Video Services Accelerator, Sigma Systems is aiming to help operators capitalize on new enhanced entertainment opportunities, and effectively orchestrate the evolution to IP video."

Availability
Sigma Systems' IP Video Services Accelerator solution has been selected by two North American MSOs to deliver a provisioning solution for enhanced entertainment services... including integration to leading vendors TiVo and NDS.

For More Information on Sigma Systems and its IP Video Accelerator Offering:
Sigma Systems Corporate Web site: http://www.sigma-systems.com/home.aspx
Follow Sigma Systems on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sigmasystems
Visit Sigma Systems on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SigmaSystemsOSS
Visit Sigma Systems on Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/SigmaOSS

To learn more about Sigma Systems' IP Video Services Accelerator, visit Booth #1004 at the 2011 The Cable Show - Chicago.

About Sigma Systems
Sigma Systems is the proven global leader in delivering advanced IP service fulfillment solutions. Sigma Systems' powerful solutions enable the world's Next-Generation Operators (NGOs) to Deliver a Rich Consumer Experience through communications and entertainment services -- over any access technology to any device. The company's award-winning solutions include order management, provisioning and activation, and active mediation of residential and business VoIP, broadband, video, and triple-play and quad-play services. NGOs around the globe -- including Bell Aliant, Cox, Rogers, TELUS, YouSee, NET Servicos, Technology Networks, iTSCOM and ZON Multimedia -- trust Sigma Systems for service transformation and innovative solutions with market-leading expertise for the delivery of today's -- and tomorrow's -- new services. For more information about Sigma Systems, visit http://www.sigma-systems.com and follow the company on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sigmasystems.