Verimatrix, the leading developer of IPTV content protection and security solutions, today announced at NAB2006 that the Verimatrix Content Authority System (VCAS) is now available on the Sun Solaris 10 Operating System (OS). This provides network operators that select the Solaris operating system for IPTV the advantage of high performance, enhanced security, and scalability.

Auroras Entertainment, a leader in IPTV content, infrastructure and services, is already experiencing the benefits of Verimatrix running on Solaris. "Verimatrix and Solaris have always been about freedom of choice allowing operators to select the best-of-breed hardware and software for its needs," said Mike Kazmier, president and chief technology officer at Auroras. "The Solaris 10 OS platform provides carrier-class stability and a superior price for performance equation we need to better serve our customers."

With its optimized network stack and support for today's advanced network protocols like the Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) and bundled Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) elements, the Solaris 10 OS provides the throughput required to deliver high-quality services across internet-based channels. It also includes unique features such as the Solaris Containers and Predictive Self-Healing for increased reliability. Additionally, the Solaris 10 OS supports the current IPv6 specifications and APIs, paving the way for the development of next generation IP-based services. Verimatrix deployed the world's first IPv6 for On Demand TV in Japan. VCAS runs on a wide range of Sun platforms, including the dual CPU Sunfire V240. For the Real-Time Encryption Server (RTES), VCAS is compliant with 8-core Sun T2000 servers.

"We are thrilled to be working with Verimatrix to make digital content on the Solaris 10 OS as secure as possible," said Rob Glidden, industry manager, Broadband Media at Sun Microsystems. "We will always support innovative solutions that drive responsible digital rights management."

"The Solaris 10 OS has proven to be an extremely stable and reliable operating system that allows network operators to generate new and profitable services," said Steve Oetegenn, EVP of Global Sales and Marketing, Verimatrix. "This development was initiated in response to market demand and our desire to provide our customers with a choice in operating platforms."

Verimatrix is also working with Sun on the Open Media Commons (OMC) as a community project to develop codecs and digital rights management (DRM) solutions. The goals of the OMC are to develop solutions for the distribution of digital content, focused on authenticating people and roles, not just devices; to address the application of DRM technology to a wide range of content and situations.

"DRM interoperability is a critical element for the ubiquitous playback of digital media on different consumer electronic devices such as MP3 players, cellular phones, personal computers and set-top boxes. Sun's goal to provide an interoperable DRM framework via the DReaM project is commendable, providing consumers with more ways to use and play the digital media they purchase," said Bob Kulakowski, CTO of Verimatrix.