Espial has been ranked at the top of the latest ABI Research Vendor Matrix.

ANT Plc and Microsoft claimed the second and third spots in the company's most recent evaluation of worldwide IPTV client middleware vendors.

The Vendor Matrix is an analytical tool developed by ABI Research to provide a clear understanding of vendors' positions in specific markets.

Vendors are assessed by ABI Research on the important parameters of "innovation" and "implementation" across several criteria, unique to each vendor matrix.

For this particular matrix, under "implementation," ABI Research examined the breadth of services/functions supported by the company's solution, its interoperability with other solutions, the company's technology partners, and the ease of upgrading.

Under "innovation," ABI Research scrutinized the following criteria: the strength of the company's customer base, brand identification, sales channels, regional/key market diversity, and market traction of key STB partners.

To view a list of the "top ten" firms in this Vendor Matrix, please visit IPTV Client Middleware Vendor Matrix. Registration on the ABI Research website (free) is required.

Access to the rankings of all companies surveyed is available to clients of ABI Research.

This Vendor Matrix forms part of ABI Research's Multi-Channel Video Research Service.

For a list of all ABI Research Vendor Matrices, please visit The ABI Research Vendor Matrix.