INTRACOM S.A. offers Full Service Content Distribution Network platform (fs|cdntm), a solution which enables the delivery and management of Video, Voice & Data services, thus allowing Telecom operators to offer "Triple-Play" services in a cost-efficient way, reducing customer churn and enhancing their ARPU.
The INTRACOM fs|cdntm is an integrated solution that allows providers to efficiently acquire, manage and deliver multimedia content. The supported services include Broadcast TV & Radio, Video and Music on Demand, Pay-Per-View programs, Interactive Service Guide, TV Channel Bookmarking, On-line Gaming, Web Browsing, Unified Messaging, Telephony services on TVs & PCs, as well as IP-Telephony Call Management.
fs|cdntm is composed of 3 network entities that are coupled together through an Integrated Management Platform:
The Video Headend, which undertakes the reception and the encoding process through 3rd party IRDs and encoders, IP-encapsulation through INTRACOM's IP Streamer, encryption through INTRACOM's Conditional Access System (CAS), and transmission of audio and video content.
The Content Distribution Edge Network that handles end-user interaction and carries out real-time authentication and authorization of subscribers and delivery of content through INTRACOM's Edge servers ensuring better customer response-times.
Regarding also the delivery of On Demand Video and Audio services, fs|cdntm, using a distributed architecture, enables the implementation of 3rd party VoD servers in the Content Distribution Edge Network, thus reducing traffic on the core network.
The Customer Premise Network that performs reception, decryption and presentation of content to end-users. The Customer Premise Network also includes a 3rd party IP Set-top-Box and INTRACOM's Interactive Service Guide that allows end-users to access the Interactive Content Services offered over the fs|cdntm platform.
The Integrated Management Platform developed by INTRACOM, provides centralized monitoring and management of network elements, content assets and subscribers, enabling operators to control all system parameters from a single, unified interface. Through it, service providers define service packages, provision subscribers, and maintain usage records of system resources.
Figure 1: fs|cdntm Typical Architecture
fs|cdntm is independent of the underlying access network technology (e.g. DSL, FTTH, Cable, broadband wireless), making it an ideal choice for any IP-enabled, broadband infrastructures, offering a flexible, future-proof solution.
Looking at the evolutionary and highly competitive era of next generation services and having in mind Telecom operators' urgent need for integrated solutions, INTRACOM's fs|cdntm fulfils the five basic platform requirements for the successful and profitable delivery of "Triple-Play" services over IP networks:
- End-to-end solution eliminating cross-vendor interoperability tests and therefore enabling operators to enter the market quickly.
- Scalable architecture for gradual "Triple-Play" deployment.
- Open architecture enabling the introduction of incremental revenue applications (e.g. targeted advertising, t-commerce).
- Secure delivery of content and subscriber access control.
- Customisable solution enabling operators to develop their own services and applications through the Interactive Service Guide.
Marching through 2005, which has been characterised by many as "Triple-Play" year, INTRACOM makes its dynamic presence in the international market and stands up to competition in the telecom era. INTRACOM's " Triple-Play" solution has already been presented in many international exhibitions with great success, while fs|cdntm pilot deployments are taking place in Telecom operators in various countries around the globe, paving the way for next generation broadband services and for technologies' convergence.