Zeugma News

TTA 2010 Annual Convention

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Murfreesboro, TN where we will be exhibiting. Find out more about the show.

Nevada Telecommunications Association Annual Convention

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Lake Tahoe, NV. Find out more about the show.

47th Annual OPASTCO Summer Convention and Tradeshow

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in Seattle, Washingotn where we will be speaking. Find out more about the show.

OPASTCO 47th Annual Convention-A Look Under the Hood of Over-the-Top Media

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Speaker: Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing Zeugma Systems

Topic: A Look Under the Hood of Over-the-Top Media. Find out more about the session here.

Idaho, Wyoming, Utah Tri-State Telecommunications Conference

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in Sun Valley, ID where we will be attending the 2010 Tri-State Conference. Find out more about the show.

Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina TCI 2010 Annual Technology Conference

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in Norfolk VA where we will be exhibiting and speaking. Find out more about the show.

WSTA 100th Annual Convention

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Lake Geneva, WI where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

OTA-WITA Joint Annual Conference 2010

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Stevenson, WA where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

TTA Spring Meeting 2010

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Franklin, TN where we will be exhibiting. Find out more about the show.

Ohio Telecom Association Annual Convention-April 26-28

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Columbus, OH where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

WTA Spring Meeting-Harnessing Over-the-Top Video to Enhance Revenue

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP Marketing of Zeugma Systems

Topic: This session will examine the OTT video ecosystem, analyze the technical challenges inherent in delivering high-quality SD and HD video streams.

Find out more about the show.

Tech-Con 2010-Rethinking the Edge - Policy-based QOS

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tech-Con 2010

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP Marketing of Zeugma Systems

Topic: Rethinking the Edge-Policy-based QOS

Find out more about the show.

IP Possibilities Conference-April 13-15

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in St. Louis, MO where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

NAB Show 2010-Is Linear Video the Next AOL?

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Broadcasters 2010 Show

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Topic: Is Linear Video the Next AOL?

Find out more about the show.

SCTA 2010 Spring Convention-March 29-31

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Hilton Head, SC where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

RIITA 2010 Expo-March 9-10

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Des Moines, IA where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

NCTIA Technology Conference-March 3-4

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Winston-Salem, NC where we will be exhibiting and speaking.

Find out more about the show.

NCTIA Technology Conference-"IPTV" Speaker Panel

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Presenters: Kevin Walsh, VP Marketing Zeugma; Shawn Donnell, Enablence

Moderator: Brent Grayson, CBW Communications Engineers

Telco Panel: Robbie Farmer, SkyLine; Todd Brewbaker, IPTV; Scott Mosley, Surry

Find out more about the show.

ITA Showcase Northwest 2010-March 2-3

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Portland, OR where we will be exhibiting and speaking.

Find out more about the show.

ITA Showcase 2010-Delivering on the Quality Promise: HD Internet Video over Broadband

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Topic: Many in the broadband industry believe that internet video on the family room HDTV is to linear video (cable, satellite, IPTV) what the Web was to AOL in the 1990s: one is the future, the other the past. The only obstacle has been quality. The day of the internet video surfer has arrived. Telcos contemplating their first video offerings may be able to bypass IPTV and move directly to the simpler, less expensive internet video offerings that are better aligned with consumer viewing trends. Telcos that already offer linear video can add internet video offerings in order to further increase revenue and expand broadband market share. This presentation will examine internet video delivery ecosystems that satisfy consumer quality expectations and business models that allow telcos to monetarily benefit by delivering the final ingredient: QOS over broadband networks.

Find out more about the show.

Minnesota Telecom Alliance Annual Convention-March 1-3

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Minneapolis, MN where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

Canadian Independent Telephone Association 2010 Showcase-February 28-March 2

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Montreal, Quebec where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

Calcom 2010 Tech Expo

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Find out more.

Calcom Tech Expo 2010-Febraury 16-18

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Sacramento, CA where we will be exhibiting and speaking.

Find out more about the show.

Louisiana Telecommunications Association Annual Convention-February 10-12

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in New Orleans, LA where we will be exhibiting and presenting. Find out more about the show.

Louisiana Telecommunications Association Annual Convention

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Find out more.

NTCA Expo'10 & Annual Meeting-February 2-3

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Tampa Bay, FL where we will be exhibiting and presenting. Find out more about the show.

NTCA Expo 2010-Delivering on the Quality Promise: HD Internet Video over Broadband

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Find out more.

OTT Conference-Delivering on the Quality Promise: HD Internet Video over Broadband

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Find out more.

OPASTCO 47th Annual Winter Convention-January 23-27

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in San Diego, CA at the Hotel de Coronado. Find out more about the show.

Metered Billing to Become Hot Topic in 2010

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of the drivers of the Internet explosion during the past few years is that it is cheap. “All you can eat” data plans encourage people to spend their time browsing, downloading and generally using their wired and wireless tools for an increasing number of tasks. Not only is the number of sessions increasing, but the average size of downloads is growing.

The bottom line is that people are using more capacity. Posting at GigaOm, Kevin Walsh, the Vice President of Marketing for Zeugma Systems, quotes IDC numbers that says the average person uses 7.27 Gigabytes (GB) per month now – and will use 12.5 GB monthly by 2013.

Find out more.

Can Usage-based Broadband Billing be Done Fairly?

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As 2009 draws to a close, the debate over the implementation of usage-based billing frameworks (so-called “metered billing”) for broadband services is far from over. But while as Stacey has pointed out, some broadband execs believe metered billing is inevitable, existing and proposed implementations contain significant shortcomings. So if metered billing is inevitable, what would be a fair construct? Or is it even possible to be fair?

Find out more.

Where are all the bad actors?

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The life of Madison River Communications, a small, rural wireline service provider with operations in seven states, was brief. Founded in 1999, it was purchased by CenturyTel (now CenturyLink) in 2007. Nonetheless, Madison River will live forever as the poster child for those who believe Internet regulation (aka net neutrality) is necessary to preserve the “transformative power of the Internet.”

Find out more.

MTA 28th Annual Showcase-Delivering on the quality promise: HD Internet Video Over Broadband

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Read full article.

Zeugma to Speak at 28th Annual MTA Showcase Seminar-December 1-3

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Montana where we will be speaking.

Find out more about the show.

Zeugma SmartBoost Wins TelcoTV Vision Award

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SmartBoost Honored by TelcoTV as Most Innovative Solution in the “Innovation in Broadband Networks” Category

NOVEMBER 16, 2009, VANCOUVER, BC—Zeugma Systems announced today that its SmartBoost application has won TelcoTV’s Vision Award for the “Innovation in Broadband Networks” category, being recognized as a truly groundbreaking solution. Zeugma’s SmartBoost application enables broadband service providers (BSPs) to quickly, easily, and inexpensively implement what has long been an industry goal: the ability for subscribers to instantly self-provision temporary bandwidth increases.

“This year’s TelcoTV Vision Awards amply demonstrate that creativity and innovation are still driving the service provider video market,” said Joe Braue, Senior Vice President and Group Director for Light Reading, which produces the TelcoTV conference and exhibition. “Our knowledgeable judging panel of service providers, journalists, and analysts has indicated that these winners are the most important video products for carriers to check out and evaluate in the coming year.”

According to Kevin Walsh, vice president of marketing at Zeugma Systems, “We are thrilled to have received the TelcoTV Vision Award and believe it further validates Zeugma’s approach giving subscribers more control over their broadband services. Broadband service providers have long wanted to give their subscribers the ability to dynamically vary the bandwidth they consume, but found it difficult to implement this feature both technically and operationally. Zeugma’s SmartBoost makes it much easier to implement this type of service while also giving providers the ability to create and market more granular, flexible bandwidth offerings.”

Like other Smart Series applications, SmartBoost runs within the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS), an application support framework employing the Zeugma Service Node’s (ZSN’s) scalable, high-performance compute grid. The ZSN is able to simultaneously support a wide variety of OAS-based applications, including SmartVideo, SmartMeter, SmartVOIP, and SmartMonitor, as well as third-party applications.

About Zeugma Systems

Zeugma Systems delivers open telecommunications solutions that accelerate new service deployment for broadband service providers of all types. The Zeugma Services Node, a service delivery router, combines massive compute resources with next-generation capacity, service awareness, and subscriber management to yield reliable application integration, rapid turn-up of new services, and a quality video experience. For additional information, please visit www.zeugmasystems.com.

To view Zeugma’s blog, please visit zeugmablog.typepad.com.

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR (for Zeugma)
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

SkitterTV: Over the Top and Over the Air

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SkitterTV launched in September as an alternative to IPTV that combines Internet video with local TV broadcast over the air. At the TelcoTV show this week, the company announced a deal with Zeugma Systems to ensure service quality, and its service will soon be available on Roku’s set-top. Skitter president Robert Saunders spoke with Connected Planet about how its IPTV alternative works.

Find out more.

Telco TV 2009- November 10-12

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in Orlando FL, where we will be exhibiting and speaking.

Find out more about the show.

TELCOTV 2009: Delivering on the Quality Promise: Internet Video on Your 50-inch HDTV (And Loving It)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Panel Session: Comparing emerging Internet video on an HDTV to today’s linear video draws comparisons to what the Web was to AOL in the late 1990s; the future vs. the past. Telcos contemplating their first video offerings may look to less complex Internet video offerings that may be aligned with emerging consumer viewing trends. Early adopter telcoTV operators can look to internet video to further increase revenue and expand broadband market share. This panel will examine Internet video delivery ecosystems that satisfy both consumer quality expectations and telco business model considerations.

Zeugma and Skitter Partner to Ensure High-quality TV Services Over Broadband Connections

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Joint Solution Enables Broadband Operators to Deliver IPTV-like Video Diversity and Quality at a Fraction of the Cost

NOVEMBER 10, 2009, ORLANDO, FL—Zeugma Systems and Skitter, Inc. today announced a partnership whereby broadband service providers can employ the combined solution to deliver a wide variety of live off-air broadcast TV over existing broadband facilities with guaranteed quality of service. Coupled with on-demand video content, the solution enables broadband operators to deploy compelling entertainment services at a fraction of the cost of traditional IPTV.

The solution partnership combines the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN), a service delivery router providing subscriber management, edge routing, and broadband aggregation in a carrier-class, high performance platform, with Skitter’s Skitter.TV, a set of video technologies to encode, configure, deliver, and monetize internet and linear TV services. The ZSN automatically detects streaming content from Skitter.TV and, depending on subscriber policy, allocates bandwidth for that stream across the broadband network. Alternatively, broadband subscribers can dynamically alter their downstream bandwidth using Zeugma’s SmartBoost application, in order to maximize video quality for both standard- and high-definition streams.

According to Andrew Harries, Zeugma president and CEO, “This really rounds out the over-the-top (OTT) approach to video delivery. What has thus far been lacking from the wide array of primarily on-demand OTT systems is live television broadcasts, something subscribers demand before pulling the linear TV plug. Skitter.TV adds that vital element and affords broadband service providers a compelling alternative to IPTV.”

The Skitter.TV internet TV platform consists of head-end video encoding, subscriber management, and multistream delivery technology designed to industry standards and optimized for flexibility, efficiency and reliability. The Skitter Acclaim™ video encoder captures video from multiple sources and encodes into both HD and SD streams simultaneously, in real time.

Robert Saunders, president of Skitter, adds “What this is all about is maximizing the value of network assets for both customer retention and new revenue opportunities. Video services are what most telco’s are driving toward, but IPTV has heretofore been an expensive, complex, and time-consuming approach. OTT video capable of delivering both live and on-demand content clearly offers a superior alternative that promises greater customer satisfaction and faster ROI.”

Zeugma and Skitter will be demonstrating the effectiveness of the combined solution at TelcoTV in Orlando. Zeugma will be exhibiting at booth number 315 while Skitter will be at booth number 945.

About Zeugma Systems

To view Zeugma’s blog, please visit zeugmablog.typepad.com.

About Skitter.TV

Skitter.TV™ is video technology to encode, configure, deliver and monetize converged TV services. Skitter.TV provides a converged TV experience on computers, televisions, mobile devices and gaming consoles. The end-to-end video platform includes head-end hardware and software for integrated Web video, linear cable network and broadcast TV, and video-on-demand content, delivered over IP via DSL, fiber optics or wireless networks. Skitter.TV’s end-user software and program guide offer consumers premium-quality high definition (HD) or standard definition (SD) multiscreen video service that combines live and on-demand content in a unified, remote-control-driven environment. For more information, visit www.skitter.tv. Attend a Special Panel on Advanced Streaming Video at TelcoTV

Zeugma Systems will be participating in a special panel at TelcoTV in Orlando, FL covering advances in streaming internet video.

Title: Delivering on the Quality Promise: Internet Video on Your 50-inch HDTV (And Loving It)

Who:        Matt Davis, Director, Consumer & SMB Multiplay Services, IDC
               Jim Funk, Vice President of Business Development, Roku
               Robert Saunders, President, Skitter.tv
               Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

When: Tuesday (November 10, 2009) 1:00pm —2:00pm

Where: Orange County Convention Center, north concourse, level two, room N220 (A)

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR (for Zeugma)
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

Laura Tanner
VP Marketing, Skitter.TV
404-627-4481
laura@skitter.tv

TelcoTV Panel Reveals Critical Elements to Deliver

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Representatives from Roku, Skitter.TV, and Zeugma Systems to Examine Internet Video Delivery Ecosystems That Satisfy Consumer Expectations and Business Models Allowing Telcos to Monetarily Benefit By Delivering QOS over Broadband Networks

NOVEMBER 10, 2009, ORLANDO, FL—Zeugma Systems a supplier of open telecommunications solutions for broadband service providers (BSPs), today announced that the company, along with industry experts from IDC, Roku, and Skitter.TV, will participate in a panel entitled “Delivering on the Quality Promise: Internet Video on Your 50-inch HDTV (And Loving It)” at TelcoTV in Orlando. The infinite expansion of internet video has left consumers expecting an internet video viewing experience that is indistinguishable from locally attached DVD players. With advances in video storefronts, content delivery, network technology, and digital media players, this quality hurdle is being rapidly surmounted.

Matt Davis—Program Director, Consumer Multiplay Services, IDC

“As attested to by the success of the TelcoTV conference, telcos everywhere have been driving to include video as a core element of their multiplay offerings. Thus far most of these efforts have been focused on IPTV, a route fraught with cost and complexity. Now telcos can, possibly for the first time, contemplate relying on much simpler and less expensive over-the-top video as a component of their entertainment offerings.”

Bob Saunders—President, Skitter.TV

“The most successful entertainment service offerings will be those that combine linear TV with internet TV with user-generated content in a sit-back viewing experience on the TV as well as the computer and mobile devices. To provide such an offering with the quality of service consumers expect, telcos must focus on three aspects of service delivery: the quality of the video stream, the reliability of content delivery, and a set-top box that is easy to install and use.”

Kevin Walsh—vice president of marketing, Zeugma Systems

“Arguably, the last hurdle to widespread replacement of linear video with purely over-the-top video is quality. And while virtually all OTT video ecosystem players have made tremendous strides toward improving video quality, the broadband network remains to be addressed. Telcos are in the unique and advantageous position to address this final piece of the OTT video puzzle by generating new services geared toward enhancing the video experience.”

Jim Funk—Vice President of Business Development, Roku

“One of the most challenging aspects of delivering high-quality, long-form video content to consumer high-definition televisions is reliable and inexpensive in-home content conversion. With a wide variety of sources and formats, it becomes even more difficult to present the user with a cohesive and easy to understand interface. Telcos anticipating offering enhanced OTT video services need to pay especially close attention to the consumer end of the value chain.”

This full hour session, part of TelcoTV’s New Media track, will explore the ecosystem supporting the delivery of long-form (television episodes and feature-length movies) video over the internet directly to subscriber televisions. Moderated by IDC analyst Matt Davis, the panel participants will discuss both the challenges and recent technical advances which have occurred in this ecosystem. The result is a video experience much better suited for today’s consumer than older, rigid, linear video approaches employed by cable and satellite operators.

Panel Details:

Title............................ Delivering on the Quality Promise: Internet Video on Your 50-inch HDTV (And Loving It)

Track........................... New Media: Managing a Brave New World

Speakers..................... Matt Davis, Director, Consumer and SMB Multiplay Services, IDC; Kevin Walsh, vice president of marketing at Zeugma Systems; Jim Funk, vice president of business development at Roku; and Robert Saunders, founder and president at Skitter.TV

Date / time................... Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 1:00pm — 2:00pm EST

Location...................... Orange County Convention Center, north concourse, level two, room N220 (A)

For more information on this panel, visit Zeugma’s events page at: http://www.zeugmasystems.com/newsampevents/inthenews/default.aspx?item=139&year=2009&month=9.

For more information about TelcoTV, visit the conference site at: http://www.lightreading.com/live/event_information.asp?event_id=29081.

About Zeugma Systems

To view Zeugma’s blog, please visit http://zeugmablog.typepad.com/.

About Skitter.TV

Skitter.TV™ is video technology to encode, configure, deliver and monetize converged TV services. Skitter.TV provides a broadband TV experience on computers, televisions, mobile devices and gaming consoles. The end-to-end video platform includes head-end hardware and software for integrated Web video, linear cable network and broadcast TV, and video-on-demand content, delivered over IP via DSL, fiber optics or wireless networks. Skitter.TV’s end-user software and program guide offer consumers premium-quality high definition (HD) or standard definition (SD) multiscreen video service that combines live and on-demand content in a unified, remote-control-driven environment. For more information visit skitter.tv.

About Roku

Roku is a market leader in innovative applications for digital media, opening up a new world of entertainment to the TV. Through its work in both software and hardware, the company develops and sells consumer products that give customers the ability to take charge over their entertainment choices, combining high-value content and immediate access to that content at a low price. Its products include: The family of Roku digital video players and the SoundBridge Internet radio line. Roku is privately held and based in Saratoga, Calif. For more information on the company and its products, visit: http://www.roku.com.

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR (for Zeugma)
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

Zeugma’s SmartBoost App Selected as a Finalist for Telco TV's Vision Awards

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Unique Application Allows Subscribers to Dynamically Modify Broadband Bandwidth Using Browsers, TV Remotes, or Smart Phones

NOVEMBER 5, 2009, ORLANDO, FL—Zeugma Systems, announced today that its SmartBoost application has been named a finalist for the “Innovation in Broadband Networks” category of TelcoTV’s annual Vision Awards. This prestigious nomination recognizes groundbreaking technologies that benefit both broadband operators and their customers.

According to Kevin Walsh, vice president of marketing at Zeugma Systems, “We are honored by the recognition from TelcoTV. SmartBoost is a first-of-its-kind application in two important regards. First, it achieves something that has long been the broadband holy grail: a simple, inexpensive, and intuitive way for subscribers to instantly modify the bandwidth they are receiving. Second, it exemplifies the benefits we have long espoused that result from a carrier-class broadband edge network element with an in-built scalable compute grid. Namely, the ability to quickly—in a matter of days—instantiate new services such as those delivered with SmartBoost.”

Zeugma will be demonstrating the SmartBoost application at booth number 315 on the TelcoTV show floor. The demonstration will use a live broadcast feed from Skitter.TV and allow observes to dynamically adjust bandwidth and instantly observe the result on video quality.

Attend a Special Panel on Advanced Streaming Video at TelcoTV

Zeugma Systems will be participating in a special panel at TelcoTV in Orlando, FL covering advances in streaming internet video.

Title: Delivering on the Quality Promise: Internet Video on Your 50-inch HDTV (And Loving It)

Who:       Matt Davis, Director, Consumer & SMB Multiplay Services, IDC
               Jim Funk, Vice President of Business Development, Roku
               Robert Saunders, President, Skitter.TV
               Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

When: Tuesday (November 10, 2009) 1:00pm — 2:00pm

Where: Orange County Convention Center, north concourse, level two, room N220 (A)

For more information about TelcoTV, visit the conference site at: http://www.lightreading.com/live/event_information.asp?event_id=29081.

About Zeugma Systems

To view Zeugma’s blog, please visit http://zeugmablog.typepad.com/.

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR (for Zeugma)
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

ATA Annual Showcase- "Delivering on the Quality Promise: HD Internet Video over Broadband"

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Alaska Telecommunications Association Annual Showcase 2009

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Topic: "Seizing the On-Demand Video Opportunity: Delivering High Quality at Low Cost”

Alaska Telecom Association Member Showcase-October 28-29

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Anchorage, Alaska where we will be exhibiting and speaking.

Find out more about the show.

Zeugma Releases Software Development Kit (SDK)

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Enables Rapid Deployment of Service Provider and Third Party Applications That Run Directly Within the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN)

OCTOBER 28, 2009, VANCOUVER, BC—Zeugma Systems, a supplier of open telecommunications solutions for broadband service providers (BSPs), today released a software development kit (SDK) for its flagship product, the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN). The SDK leverages the scalable and fully federated compute grid which is inherent to the ZSN, allowing service providers and third parties to quickly and easily develop custom applications capable of running directly within the ZSN. This capability provides visibility and control over network resources heretofore not possible in a carrier-grade broadband aggregation, subscriber management, and edge routing device.

The Zeugma SDK provides APIs that give applications direct access to the subscriber management, routing, traffic management, and compute capabilities within the ZSN. Using these APIs, applications can “push” rules down into the data plane, instructing deep session inspection (DSI) technology to copy or intercept certain traffic flows up to the application for analysis and processing. Applications are also able to dynamically modify traffic management aspects of the data plane with individual per-subscriber, per-session granularity. Zeugma’s SmartBoost application, developed using the SDK, exemplifies the ease with which new service-enabling applications can be deployed.

Michael Howard, principal analyst with Infonetics Research, views the ability to rapidly develop and implement new applications as “an essential feature for Telco 2.0 network operators. It has been proven many times over that closed development systems are inherently limiting-opening these systems to innovation from multiple sources is a prerequisite for operators to realize Telco 2.0 goals. Zeugma is ahead of the pack with the first SDK we’ve seen for carrier-class broadband edge equipment.”

According to Zeugma vice president of engineering Jeff Dillabough, “The ability to host diverse application sets directly within the Zeugma Services Node sets it apart from other broadband edge network equipment. And the availability of published APIs and a full SDK allows Zeugma, our customers, and even third parties to exploit this capability in novel ways.”

The ZSN can be configured with up to 12 compute blades, providing a high-performance, scalable pool of network-based application resources. A special framework, the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS), allows any combination of applications to simultaneously run in a protected environment. Among other tasks, the OAS ensures that misbehaving applications are unable to adversely impact other applications or the underlying data plane. The Zeugma SDK is the companion software development tool for the OAS.

The Zeugma SDK is available now. Contact Zeugma for pricing information.

About Zeugma Systems

To view Zeugma’s blog, please visit zeugmablog.typepad.com.

Attend a Special Panel on Advanced Streaming Video at TelcoTV

Zeugma Systems will be participating in a special panel at TelcoTV in Orlando, FL covering advances in streaming internet video.

Title: Delivering on the Quality Promise: Internet Video on Your 50-inch HDTV (And Loving It)

Who:      Matt Davis, Director, Consumer & SMB Multiplay Services, IDC
              Jim Funk, Vice President of Business Development, Roku
              Robert Saunders, President, Skitter.tv
              Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

When: Tuesday (November 10, 2009) 1:00pm — 2:00pm

Where: Orange County Convention Center, north concourse, level two, room N220 (A)

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

KTA-TTA Fall Conference and Supplier Showcase-October 27-30

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Bowling Green, KY where we will be exhibiting and speaking.

Find out more about the showcase.

KTA/TTA Fall Showcase-“Delivering on the Quality Promise: HD Internet Video over Broadband”

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Tom Meehan, Vice President of Product Development, Zeugma Systems.

MidWest Telcom Expo 2009-October 27-29

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Fort Wayne, IN where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

SUPERCOMM: PreShow Summit: "Building Broadband Business"

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Topic: "Delivering on the Quality Promise: HD Internet Video over Broadband"

This session examines internet video delivery ecosystems that satisfy consumer quality expectations and business models that allow telcos to monetarily benefit by delivering the final ingredient: QOS over broadband networks. Many in the broadband industry believe that internet video on the family room HDTV is to linear video (cable, satellite, IPTV) what the Web was to AOL in the 1990s: one is the future, the other the past. The only obstacle has been quality. In order to realize the vast potential represented by the infinite expanse of internet video, consumers expect an internet video viewing experience that is indistinguishable from a locally attached DVD player. And with advances in video storefronts, content delivery, network technology, and digital media players, this quality hurdle is being rapidly surmounted. The day of the internet video surfer has arrived. Telcos contemplating their first video offerings may be able to bypass IPTV and move directly to the simpler, less expensive internet video offerings that are better aligned with consumer viewing trends. Telcos that already offer linear video can add internet video offerings in order to further increase revenue and expand broadband market share.

Mid-America Telecom Showcase & Seminar (MATSS)-October 18-20

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Kansas City, MO where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the showcase.

NCTIA What's New Expo Telecom Exhibitor Showcase-October 14-15

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Concord, NC where we will be exhibiting and speaking.

Find out more about the showcase.

PTA and NYSTA Fall Expo-October 7-8

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Syracuse, NY where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

NYSTA and PTA Joint Fall Showcase-"Capitalizing on Internet Video"

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Trevor Dyck, Director of Product Management, Zeugma Systems

Topic: Telcos are increasingly looking at streaming internet video not as something that threatens to swamp their broadband networks but rather something that can generate new revenue. This session will explore the developing internet video ecosystem and outline technical and business strategies that allow telcos to monetarily participate in that ecosystem.

Western Telecom Fall Meeting 2009-September 27-30

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Monterey, CA

Find out more about the show.

Zeugma to Speak on Panel with IDC, Roku, and Skitter.TV at TelcoTV

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Session Description
Comparing emerging Internet video on an HDTV to today’s linear video draws comparisons to what the Web was to AOL in the late 1990s; the future vs. the past. Telcos contemplating their first video offerings may look to less complex Internet video offerings that may be aligned with emerging consumer viewing trends. Early adopter telcoTV operators can look to internet video to further increase revenue and expand broadband market share. This panel will examine Internet video delivery ecosystems that satisfy both consumer quality expectations and telco business model considerations.

OTA 2009 Central Office and Information Technologies Seminar-September 24-25

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us in Newport OR where we will be exhibiting and speaking.

Find out more about the seminar.

OTA Central Office and IT Show-"Increasing ARPU by Adding Advanced Subscriber Services"

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Topic: The session will explore a class of converged IP platform able to dynamically identify and monitor OTT video flows and, depending on service provider policy, enhance quality of service (QOS) and potentially modify the OTT flow.

Is Bandwidth Addictive?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Conventional wisdom among marketing types holds that as consumers purchase more of a given product their needs become satisfied, and the ability to incrementally sell them more of that product diminishes. This is certainly true of cars and other capital intensive items, but it is definitely not true with other things, like drugs. The reason is obvious. Some things—like drugs, Starbucks coffee, and McDonald’s cheeseburgers—carry properties that further stimulate demand. The question is, does bandwidth obtained via broadband connections exhibit similar tendencies? That is, is bandwidth addictive?

The Missing Link

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Something that has always bothered me and many of my potential customers is the “mising link”. The “missing link” I believe in our industry is the data offering that is between a DSL connection and a data T-1. There are many areas around this country where a business only qualifies for a 1.5 Mb high speed Internet or DSL connection and nothing else. A 1.5 Mb business DSL connection is priced in the < $100 range, but an Internet T-1 starts with most carriers starts around $400-500.

With Broadband, Quality Should Trump Penetration

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With governments around the world spending billions of dollars trying to prop up ailing economies, many are taking advantage of this flood of stimulus money to address perceived shortcomings in broadband penetration. On the surface, this makes sense — most agree that high-speed Internet access infrastructure is a vital, high-tech equivalent to the public works projects that might have consumed such taxpayer largess in the past. But closer inspection raises questions as to whether or not “penetration” is the right metric to evaluate the health of broadband infrastructure. A case can be made that it is now time to shift our focus from promoting penetration to improving broadband quality.

2009 ComPulse-September 16-18

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Join us at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing, MI where we will be presenting.

Find out more about the show.

Martin Group’s 2009 User Meeting and Technology Conference-September 8-9

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in Austin, TX where we will be speaking and exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

Martin Group's 2009 Revenue 360--"Video Over the Internet"

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Topic: “Video Over the Internet: New Revenue Streams From "Over The Top" Video”

IT Expo 09 - "Leveraging Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to Maximize Network Efficiency"

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Trevor Dyck, Director of Product Management, Zeugma Systems.

Session: Many broadband service providers are beginning the process of embedding technology within their networks capable of treating each session flow — OTT video, VOIP, gaming, etc. — with the service quality it is engineered to expect. This puts content distribution networks (CDNs) in the position to deliver, for the first time, guaranteed quality of service. One key trend is the role for mobile CDNs. Current mobile networks have limited data throughput, less than a typical DSL connection. Simultaneously, devices such as the iPhone, G1, and others are encouraging dramatic increases in mobile data usage (both downstream and upstream). With these improved handsets, the network throughput has become the bottleneck in delivering high quality video. A variety of solutions to these challenges are being developed today, however, there’s room for significant debate on which solutions are best.

Ohio Fall Conference and Technology Show-September 1-3

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in Columbus OH, where we will be exhibiting and speaking.

Find out more about the show.

TMC IT Expo-September 2

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in Los Angeles, CA where we will be speaking.

Find out more about the exhibition.

OTA Annual Convention-“Seizing the On-Demand Video Opportunity: Delivering High Quality at Low Cost”

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, Zeugma Systems

Topic: "Seizing the On-Demand Video Opportunity: Delivering High Quality at Low Cost”

Zeugma to Speak at Seven Upcoming Industry Conferences

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Executives Will Discuss Topics Related to The Rise of Streaming Internet Video and Monetization Strategies For Broadband Service Providers

AUGUST 31, 2009, VANCOUVER, BC—Zeugma Systems, a supplier of open telecommunications solutions for broadband service providers (BSPs), today announced that Zeugma representatives will be presenting on various topics at seven upcoming industry events. While the majority of the presentations will focus on the increasing prevalence of streaming internet video and corresponding monetization strategies for broadband service providers, the sessions will also deliver unique insights into consumer preferences and technology alternatives.

Each session is specifically designed to address recent issues and concerns BSPs have brought to Zeugma’s attention. Below is a summary of what the seven sessions will touch on:

Consumers have shown a clear desire for more streaming video content and even a willingness to pay extra for superior delivery. While service providers recognize this, the challenge is to find ways to monetize over-the-top (OTT) video content by adding value to its delivery.
Any technology that accelerates service delivery can help service providers rapidly respond to changing market conditions, especially subscriber preferences. But how and where should those service delivery technologies be implemented?
The OTT video delivery ecosystem has advanced in terms of its ability to deliver very large video files over the internet. However, while CDNs have led this charge, a key piece of the equation is still missing; the technology necessary to ensure quality of service (QOS) over the consumer broadband infrastructure. How can BSPs ensure service quality over increasingly congested broadband networks?

Logistical details for upcoming events:

1. IT EXPO West: Los Angeles, CA, Sept. 2, 2009, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Trevor Dyck, Director of Product Management, will present on “Leveraging Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to Maximize Network Efficiency”

2. Ohio Technology Show: Columbus, OH, Sept. 1, 2009, 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, will present on “Seizing the On-Demand Video Opportunity: Delivering High Quality at Low Cost”

3. Martin Group Technology Conference: Austin, TX, Sept. 8, 2009, 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, will present on “Video Over the Internet: New Revenue Streams From ‘Over the Top’ Video”

4. Oregon Telecom Assoc. CO and IT Show: Newport, OR, Sept. 24, 2009, 4:00 p.m to 4:30 p.m.
Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, will present on “Increasing ARPU by Adding Advanced Subscriber Services”

5. PTA/NYSTA Expo: Syracuse, NY, Oct. 7th, 2009, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. & 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Trevor Dyck, Director of Product Management, will present on “Capitalizing on Internet Video”

6. Alaska Telecom Assoc. Showcase: Anchorage, AL, October 29, 2009, 2 p.m to 3 p.m.

Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, will present on "Deliveing on the Quality Promise: HD Internet Video over Broadband"

7. North Carolina Telecom Industry Assoc.: Concord, NC, October 14, 2009, time TBA.
Kevin Walsh, Vice President of Marketing, will present on “Increasing ARPU by Adding Advanced Subscriber Services”

About Zeugma Systems

To view Zeugma’s blog, please visit zeugmablog.typepad.com.

6BContact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

2009 TTA Convention & Product Showcase - August 30- September 2

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in San Antonio, TX where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

Usage Based Billing

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is a growing stock of information, articles and commentary about Usage Based Billing online. I’ve been adding links to web pages on this and related subjects in my sidebar. (All links… no ads!)

But reading through some of the online commentary I’ve found some bits that bear repeating, so that’s today’s thing.

Some Basic Truths About Broadband (Economics)

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I confess I have a rather odd hobby. I seek out and collect statements from broadband regulators and lobbyists that reveal a fundamental misconception about the networks they oversee. Stacey uncovered this gem in April from New York state’s CIO: Consumers should be able to “know the actual data transmission speeds” of their broadband services. And in July she noted that lobbyists, petitioning the NTIA over perceived shortcomings in the recent broadband stimulus package, complained service providers often “advertise speeds of up to 3Mbps while refusing to guarantee those speeds.

Zeugma SmartBoost Simplifies Bandwidth On Demand

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New Application Will Let Hill Country Telephone Customers Use Apple iPhones, Roku Digital Video Players, and Standard Web Browsers to Boost Bandwidth

JULY 27, 2009, VANCOUVER, BC—Zeugma Systems, a supplier of open telecommunications solutions for broadband service providers (BSPs), today announced the availability of SmartBoost, a new Smart Series application allowing subscribers to instantly increase their broadband speed. Leveraging the Zeugma Services Node’s (ZSN’s) unique Open Application Sandbox (OAS) and robust traffic management capabilities, SmartBoost lets BSPs quickly, easily, and inexpensively implement what has long been an industry goal: the ability for subscribers to self-provision temporary bandwidth increases. Furthermore, SmartBoost extends this capability beyond the PC-based web browser, bringing it directly to subscriber televisions and web-enabled smart phones.

Key characteristics include:

SmartBoost requires no integration with external systems; all required functionality is inherent to the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN), dramatically simplifying implementation. Traditional approaches require modification to a myriad of devices such as broadband remote access servers (BRAS), policy servers, and access nodes, which severely complicates implementation, driving up both cost and time-to-market.
SmartBoost extends bandwidth self-provisioning to other devices such as digital video players from Roku and iPhones from Apple, enabling bandwidth boosts by remote control or smart phone. To date, subscriber self-provisioning has been limited to the web browser.
SmartBoost works seamlessly over any broadband access network technology.
SmartBoost can be used in conjunction with SmartVideo, which automatically allocates incremental bandwidth for certain streaming video services such as Netflix.

According to Larry Pechacek, business development manager with Hill Country Telephone, “SmartBoost will give us another tool to upsell our customers to higher bandwidth tiers and advanced services, such as those we currently offer with Zeugma’s SmartVideo application. Equally important, from a technical ease-of-implementation standpoint, all we have to do is drop the app into our ZSN.”

Matt Davis, program director of IDC’s Consumer Multiplay Services and Business Multiplay programs, added, “Broadband operators have long considered enabling their subscribers to dynamically vary the bandwidth they consume, but found it difficult to implement this feature both technically and operationally. New technologies like the Zeugma solution take an innovative approach to an old problem and make it much easier to implement this type of service.”

Roku’s vice president of business development Jim Funk said, “By taking advantage of software development kits (SDKs) in both the Roku digital video player and the Zeugma Services Node, SmartBoost opens up a rich universe of subscriber-service provider interaction via the television. Although some of these capabilities are available on PC-based web browsers, the television is a more natural interface for the video services broadband providers are marketing.”

Like other Smart Series applications, SmartBoost runs within the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS), an application support framework employing the ZSN’s scalable, high-performance compute grid. The ZSN is able to simultaneously support a wide variety of OAS-based applications, including SmartVideo, SmartMeter, SmartVOIP, and SmartMonitor, as well as third-party applications.

“SmartBoost significantly enhances the ability of broadband service providers to create and market more granular, flexible bandwidth offerings,” said.Curtis Sherbo, Zeugma director of product line management. “And by simplifying the process of ordering new services and eliminating any delay in their implementation, SmartBoost can take advantage of subscriber spontaneity and dramatically increase take-rate for new services.”

SmartBoost is also compatible with existing policy control and user authentication systems. SmartBoost is available now, contact Zeugma for additional information.

About Zeugma Systems

To view Zeugma’s blog, please visit zeugmablog.typepad.com.

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

Zeugma offers variable bandwidth on demand for consumers

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SmartBoost offers casual or schedule bandwidth increases programmed via PC, TV remote or smartphone.

Zeugma Systems today announced new capabilities that enable broadband service providers to offer consumers variable bandwidth, on a scheduled or casual basis, to facilitate video downloads or other high-bandwidth data needs that vary over time.

The Zeugma SmartBoost, one of the Smart Series applications on the Zeugma Services Node, a smart network edge device, is already deployed by Hill Country Telephone, an independent telco in Texas, and is generally available.

Regulatory Clouds Beginning to Clear?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recently released ARRA NTIA-RUS BTOP-BIP NOFA* (hereinafter simply NOFA) contained two important elements that offer encouraging signs for broadband service providers focused on delivering new, value-added services to their subscribers. To the extent this document expresses the evolving regulatory views of various government organs, these encouraging signs apply even to those operators not planning on dipping into the public trough.

The first is embodied in the term “middle mile.” Just the presence of the term, which is somewhat new in broadband regulatory circles, reveals a deeper understanding into the nature of broadband networks. Most of those dealing with broadband technology have long understood that the “speed” (it’s really capacity, but we’ll stick with the term speed to simplify things) of a broadband service is less a function of the DSL or FTTP access facility than it is of the broadband aggregation network and, for many IOCs, the capacity of their connection to the nearest internet peering point. The NOFA correctly understands that delivering faster broadband is not achievable unless the upstream portion of the infrastructure (the “middle mile”) receives some of the investment. This is true for exactly the same reason that better freeway on ramps will not, by themselves, yield a superior commuting experience.

Zeugma Adds 'Turbo' Button

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Edge routing startup Zeugma Systems Inc. has come out with another application that happens to hit a cable hot button: the "turbo" button.

Zeugma introduced SmartBoost today, following up on SmartMeter, a bandwidth-counting application it brought out in February. (See Zeugma's Brainy Bandwidth Meter and Zeugma Adds SmartBoost.)

Cable operators have been considering ways to temporarily boost bandwidth for a fee, a feature that might appease peer-to-peer (P2P) networkers who've balked at bandwidth limitations in the past. (See Cable Crafts 'Turbo' Option, Bright House Ups 'PowerBoost', TWC Powers Up 'Powerboost', and Amdocs Intros 'Turbo Charging'.)

Zeugma Adds SmartBoost

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Zeugma Systems, a supplier of open telecommunications solutions for broadband service providers (BSPs), today announced the availability of SmartBoost, a new Smart Series application allowing subscribers to instantly increase their broadband speed. Leveraging the Zeugma Services Node’s (ZSN’s) unique Open Application Sandbox (OAS) and robust traffic management capabilities, SmartBoost lets BSPs quickly, easily, and inexpensively implement what has long been an industry goal: the ability for subscribers to self-provision temporary bandwidth increases. Furthermore, SmartBoost extends this capability beyond the PC-based web browser, bringing it directly to subscriber televisions and web-enabled smart phones.

Zeugma SmartBoost Simplifies Bandwidth On Demand

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems announced Monday the availability of SmartBoost, a new application for broadband service providers that enables them to allow subscribers to instantly increase their broadband speed. The company also announced Hill Country Telephone Cooperative as one of SmartBoost’s initial customers.

SmartBoost also extends this capability beyond the PC-based Web browser, bringing it directly to subscriber TVs and Web-enabled smartphones. SmartBoost extends bandwidth self-provisioning to digital video players from Roku and iPhones from Apple Inc., enabling bandwidth boosts by remote control or smartphone.

Zeugma Launches SmartBoost Application

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems announced the availability of SmartBoost, a new Smart Series application allowing subscribers to instantly increase their broadband speed. Leveraging the Zeugma Services Node’s (ZSN’s) unique Open Application Sandbox (OAS) and robust traffic management capabilities, SmartBoost lets BSPs quickly, easily, and inexpensively implement what has long been an industry goal: the ability for subscribers to self-provision temporary bandwidth increases. Furthermore, SmartBoost extends this capability beyond the PC-based web browser, bringing it directly to subscriber televisions and web-enabled smart phones.

Zeugma SmartBoost Extends Bandwidth Provisioning beyond PCs

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Broadband operators have long considered enabling their subscribers to dynamically vary the bandwidth they consume, but so far, they could not succeed due to the operational and technical complexities involved in the process.

Zeugma Systems, a supplier of open telecommunications solutions for broadband service providers, is taking an innovative approach to address this problem and make it easier for customers to provision bandwidth.

2009 OPASTCO Convention and Tradeshow - July 25-29

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in Colorado Springs, CO where we will be exhibiting.

Find out more about the show.

Signaling the Network

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A significant issue faced by broadband service providers is the growing presence of unmanaged Internet video. Analyst research suggests that this category of Internet traffic will grow at a 28 percent compound annual growth rate. Some BSPs have suggested a higher growth rate of 40 percent, while Cisco (News - Alert) recently suggested that video would represent 90 percent of all Internet traffic by 2013. This begs the question, “how will networks evolve to bring management to this tidal wave of media?”

These trends suggest that the majority of all traffic, specifically video, will be consumed from outside the BSP’s walled garden. Today it is within the walled garden that management and traffic engineering can be applied to broadband services. Traffic coming in from the Internet and CDNs is almost exclusively grouped together as best effort traffic. The looming growth numbers, however, already preclude “more bandwidth” as the answer to this growing flood of video. High-definition video is simply too bandwidth hungry to not make a dent into any network capacity planning exercise.

2009 TCI Tri-State Technology Meeting & Expo - June 7-9

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more about the show.

The emerging business case for enhanced OTT video

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Study after study by research analysts point toward a clear and, probably, irreversible trend: downstream web traffic comprised of streaming internet video is rapidly growing both in absolute volume and as a percentage of overall traffic. In fact, IDC predicts that by 2013 slightly more than half of all downstream broadband traffic will be streaming video and that the volume of this traffic will exceed all downstream traffic in 2009. In short, streaming video, frequently referred to as over-the-top (OTT) video, threatens to swamp broadband networks as it undermines business models built around linear video broadcasting (cable, DBS, and IPTV).

Broadband Service Providers (BSPs) feel understandably pressured—they are expected to expand their broadband coverage and increase the capacity of their broadband networks while the prices associated with basic broadband services steadily decline. Even with the help of broadband stimulus funds from US taxpayers, it is difficult to construct viable business models that call for pouring capital into infrastructure yielding declining per-user revenue.

NYSTA 2009 Annual Conference & Expo - June 1-4

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more about the show.

OTA-WITA 2009 Joint Annual Conference

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Visit us in Sunriver, OR from May 20-22, 2009

Find out more about the conference.

How "Fast" is Broadband?

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A perennial issue confronting the industry is determining the actual "speed" of broadband services. I put the word speed in quotes because, of course, we always express broadband in terms of capacity, not speed. Many believe that this is the same thing, but it's not. Overlooking this nit, it is a good time to look at the state of broadband, in terms of the "speed" experienced by end users. This is partly because government dump trucks are getting ready to haul $7.2 billion out to shovel-ready broadband projects, but also because the good people at Akamai have recently released their quarterly The State of the Internet, a rich trove of information concerning internet usage around the world.

One portion of the Akamai report that has been widely quoted in the mainstream media covers broadband speeds. The Q4/2008 report, for the first time, ranks countries by average speed: tiny, dense South Korea (surprise) is #1 at 15 Mbps, the US ranks 17th at 3.9 Mps (others of note include Japan at 7 Mbps, Canada at 3.8 Mbps, Germany at 3.8 Mbps, France at 3.2 Mbps, India at 0.8 Mbps China at 0.8 Mbps, and Syria at a blistering 0.3 Kbps). All interesting data and useful fodder for activist governments wanting to spend taxpayer money to fix things.

Content Delivery Networks and Traffic Engineering

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Increasingly, “Internet” based content is no longer being delivered by the Internet. The notion that Web sites are on one side of the Internet and consumers are on the other is antiquated. Today, Web sites are engineered into the network. A small few can afford to do this themselves (e.g., Google (News - Alert)), but most outsource this task to content delivery networks or CDNs. This article looks at the role played by CDNs and how they could evolve to offer truly engineered services.

The 2009 TTA Spring Meeting - May 4-6

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more about the spring meeting.

DPI: It’s Going to Be About More Than Ads

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The practice of deep packet inspection has raised privacy concerns among several organizations, including The Free Press and Center for Democracy and Technology. Congress recently heard testimony about ISPs using the technology to target advertising at web surfers. But DPI vendors reveal that advertising is a blunt instrument when it comes to generating revenue. It’s likely most carriers will use DPI, which can determine the details of packets traveling over the web, to boost sales in far more subtle ways.

Kurt Dobbins, chief technology officer of IP services with Arbor Networks, which purchased DPI vendor Ellacoya in January 2008, talked to me last year about the likelihood of using DPI to provide a form of consumption-based broadband. Instead of a flat-out metering program, such packages might offer subscribers an emphasis on voice or gaming services and prioritize packets accordingly. Kevin Walsh, vice president of marketing at Zeugma Systems, has a similar vision. Zeugma, which provides equipment to telecoms, doesn’t do DPI but can track some information on packets in order to prioritize certain content.

Broadband Properties Summit 2009 - April 28

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn more about the session and conference.

ANMTA 2009 Spring Conference

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more information about the show.

TANE Educational Symposium & Showcase - April 7-10

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More about the show.

Cablevision: Metered Billing Confuses Customers

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Buried in a Yankee Group write up of last week's Cable Show conference in DC is an interesting nugget from Cablevision. At a roundtable at the show regarding capping and metered billing, Cablevision's Senior VP of Corporate Engineering & Technology, Jim Blackley, didn't exactly sound enamored by the idea of billing by the byte. Cablevision seems particularly concerned that the shift to metered billing would simply confuse users:

Blackley, noting that the company compete with Verizon’s FiOS and AT&T’s U-Verse products, came down squarely against the idea saying, "we don’t want to give consumers more to think about." Blackley also had the quote of the day. Speaking of bit caps and not wanting to complicate the issue for consumers, he said, "we think [broadband] is a pretty powerful drug and we want people to consume more of it."

Cablevision of course is doing battle with FiOS in the relatively competitive NY metro market, and can't afford to give Verizon a marketing advantage (perhaps like those old SBC ads). That's in contrast to Time Warner Cable, who is only testing their metered billing model in non-FiOS neighborhoods. Also unlike Time Warner Cable, Cablevision is moving quickly to upgrade to DOCSIS 3.0, and is deploying a Wi-Fi network to add additional consumer value.

Western Telecommunication Alliance Spring Meeting - March 29-April 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more information about the show

When Traffic Engineering Isn't Enough

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Consumers are beginning to shift their video viewing habits from linear TV channels to on-demand internet-based sources. Increasingly, the “TV your way” experience pioneered by TiVo (News - Alert) is taking root with broadband consumers. Whether it’s watching the Daily Show or South Park on ComedyCentral.com, or 30 Rock on NBC.com, broadband consumers are beginning to watch what they want, when they want it. This growing sea change in consumer behavior is applying pressure on the infrastructure of broadband service providers (BSP).

While existing traffic engineering technologies must play a role in the effective delivery of on-demand media, traffic engineering by itself is insufficient to ensure the diversity of internet video can be effectively delivered. This article explores the strengths and deficiencies of existing traffic engineering technologies, and outlines what is needed to solve the emerging demands on the BSP’s network.

Posted By Siegfried Luft

Zeugma Closes $9 Million for its Service Delivery Router

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems, a start-up based in Vancouver, has closed approximately $9 million as a part of its Series C funding round. This round brings total funding to date to $50 million.

The company's flagship Zeugma Services Node (ZSN) is a service delivery router (SDR) that enables service providers to rapidly prototype and launch revenue-generating services. The hardware platform integrates routing, subscriber, and service management in a single chassis powered by high-performance, multi-core packet processors. A set of Smart Series applications run within the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS) to provide granular choices for defining basic and advanced broadband services. Zeugma Smart Series applications include SmartVideo, SmartMeter, SmartVOIP, and SmartMonitor.

Zeugma Announces Series C Funding;Total Funding Approaches $50 Million

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Company Will Use New Funding for Global Expansion of Sales and Marketing, Continued R&D

MARCH 17, 2009, VANCOUVER, BC—Zeugma Systems, a supplier of open telecommunications solutions for broadband service providers (BSPs), today announced it has closed approximately $9 million as a part of its Series C funding round. This round brings total funding to date to $50 million. Investors include Granite Ventures, Ventures West, Vertex Venture Capital, GrowthWorks Capital Ltd., Yaletown Venture Partners, BC Advantage Funds, and GTD Capital. The company will use the funding for global expansion of its customer-facing sales and support activities as well as for continued R&D.

“Zeugma’s focus on service creation and revenue generation for broadband service providers is on the mark for the current economic environment,” said Sam Kingsland, managing director at Granite Ventures. “There is a massive transformation occurring in the way video entertainment is distributed and consumed, creating both significant challenges and immense opportunities for BSPs. With its combination of strong new products that fill real needs and an experienced management team, Zeugma is delivering compelling solutions to carriers looking for new revenue and growth.”

Zeugma CEO Andrew Harries added, “A significant opportunity is emerging for systems that allow broadband service providers to monetize and meter the traffic—especially streaming internet video—already traversing their networks. The rapid acceptance we’ve received is clear validation of the ability of Zeugma’s technology and products to deliver this capability while also performing essential broadband aggregation and subscriber management functions. Zeugma’s innovative technology, coupled with partnerships with internet video players, application developers, and other vendors, are causing BSPs to rethink edge network architectures.”

Zeugma supplies solutions to broadband service providers around the world. Its flagship product, Zeugma Services Node (ZSN), is a service delivery router (SDR), a new class of equipment that enables service providers to rapidly prototype and launch revenue-generating services. The Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS) supports the rapid rollout of a multiplicity of applications developed by Zeugma (the Zeugma Smart™ Series), the service provider, or third parties. Zeugma Smart Series applications include SmartVideo, SmartMeter, SmartVOIP, and SmartMonitor.

About Zeugma Systems

To view Zeugma’s blog, please visit zeugmablog.typepad.com.

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

The Fallacy of Equating Broadband with High Speed Internet Access

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many broadband network operators are beginning to offer services above and beyond simple HSI. These include:

Ultra-fast connections specifically tuned for video, even high definition video.
Voice over IP (VOIP) connections that allow you to hear a pin drop.
Speedy gaming connections that give adolescent gamers an unfair advantage.

The possibilities are endless, highly desired by consumers, and needed by broadband providers to justify additional capital investment in broadband technologies. But they will never see the light of day if the heavy and somewhat clumsy hand of government steps into the picture.

Posted By Kevin Walsh

RIITA 2009 Annual Conference & Expo - Mar 10-12

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more information about the show.

ITA Showcase Northwest 2009 - Mar 3-4, 2009

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more information about the show

Minnesota Telecom Alliance Annual Convention 2009 - Mar 2-4

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more information about the show.

2009 CalCom Showcase & Tech Expo

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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Making More of IPTV

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the quest to replace cable companies falters, telcos consider satellite partners, over-the-top video and a plethora of set-top boxes.

TELECOM SERVICE PROVIDERS have said from the outset that IPTV would be more than just a cable replacement — that the power of IP would enable better, more focused and more interactive services. To date, however, the innovations around IPTV have been limited. That is expected to change, but whether it changes quickly enough to restart an IPTV market that seems to be lagging is uncertain.

Posted By Kevin Walsh

NYSTA/TANE 2009 Technical Issues Forum

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more information on the show.

IP Infusion Serves Up BGP

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

IP Infusion Inc. might have found a good way to annoy Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO).

No, IP Infusion isn't doing something like, say, building its own server that could compete with key partners. But its idea for a Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) route server, announced today, is being pitched as a way to save money on pricey router ports.

The feature comes with version 7.7 of IP Infusion's ZebOS protocol stack. Other new tidbits in the release include support for Provider Backbone Bridge - Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE, also called PBT) and pseudowire support within Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). (See IP Infusion Adds PBB-TE.)

NTCA Annual Meeting & Expo

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more information about the show

Zeugma Systems Intros SmartMeter

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems has introduced SmartMeter, a new addition to the Zeugma Smart Series of applications introduced last fall.

Zeugma Systems delivers open telecommunications solutions that accelerate new service deployment for broadband service providers of all types.

Zeugma Extends Smart Series Applications with SmartMeter

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New Application Helps Service Providers Define Fair and Flexible Broadband Policies

FEBRUARY 3, 2009, VANCOUVER, BC - Zeugma Systems, a supplier of open telecommunications solutions for broadband service providers, today announced SmartMeter, a new addition to the Zeugma Smart™ Series of applications introduced last fall. Smart Series applications run within the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS) to help service providers rapidly develop and deploy new services. SmartMeter gives service providers more granular choices for defining basic and advanced service parameters and greater control over how they implement broadband service policy. Unlike somewhat crude byte counters and per-gigabyte overage charges, Zeugma’s SmartMeter allows service providers to differentiate traffic types while also enabling more customer-friendly responses when users exceed the terms of their service agreements.

The release of SmartMeter allows carriers to address growing consumer and public policy requirements for supporting both basic and advanced broadband services. In a consumer survey conducted by IDC last August, 94 percent of respondents saw value in broadband services that dynamically allocate premium bandwidth for certain types of traffic, such as video, VOIP, gaming, and telecommuter VPNs, and 26 percent would be willing to pay their BSPs additional fees for premium bandwidth services. US policy makers are currently reviewing broadband proposals that make such service choices available to all citizens.

Teresa Mastrangelo, principal with research firm broadbandtrends.com, believes, “Broadband service providers have taken an archaic approach to implementing usage-based frameworks that could alienate their customers. Emerging technologies, like Zeugma’s SmartMeter, allow service providers to simultaneously improve network efficiency while enhancing customer experience.”

SmartMeter usage policies can optimize both basic and advanced broadband services in the following ways:

Time of day. SmartMeter allows service providers to tailor usage packages that are time-of-day specific. With this capability, service providers can provide incentives for consumers to move traffic from heavily congested peak usage hours to lightly congested off hours, thereby improving network efficiency without the need for capacity upgrades.

Traffic type. The requirement for both basic and advanced service policies means service providers need ways to treat certain traffic differently. An example would be the exclusion of all communications-oriented traffic—VOIP, IM, and possibly email—from the monthly usage cap of a basic service package. Since these services tend to be light consumers of bandwidth, such a usage package would improve customer satisfaction at little or no cost to the operator.

Special handling of video traffic. For consumers opting for video services such as IPTV, video on demand (VOD), and premium internet video, service providers also need a mechanism to enforce appropriate bandwidth parameters to ensure a quality video experience. Since these services encourage the consumption of bandwidth it is arguably necessary that the network exclude fee-based video traffic from the usage cap.

Customizable behavior. In order to improve customer satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of unusually high usage bills, service providers can, for example, reduce peak downstream bandwidth once a usage limit has been reached rather than apply overage charges. It is even possible to forecast usage and begin to take corrective action before the usage limit is reached.

According to Curtis Sherbo, Zeugma director of product management, “Broadband service providers are keenly interested in mechanisms that give them more control over how and when bandwidth is consumed on their networks. SmartMeter, a real-time application running within the ZSN gives them that control.”

A Smarter Approach to Bandwidth Control

Most existing capping and metering methods involve operations support systems (OSS) periodically dipping into access network equipment, such as DSLAMs and optical line terminals (OLTs), and extracting usage statistics. Such schemes typically do not allow policies that are time-of-day or traffic-type specific. As important, prevailing usage tracking technologies do not facilitate the modification of network behavior once usage limits are exceeded.

SmartMeter delivers more granular usage tracking and more dynamic bandwidth management through a combination of deep session inspection (DSI), policy, traffic quantification, and bandwidth shaping.

Availability

The Zeugma SmartMeter application is available now. Contact Zeugma for pricing information.

About Zeugma Systems

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

NY Times - Zeugma’s SmartMeter and the End of Unlimited Broadband

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Telecommunications equipment provider Zeugma Systems today released software called SmartMeter that helps carriers manage broadband traffic. It’s not alone in offering such a product, but with SmartMeter Zeugma is trying to ride a change in the way broadband providers price their services — moving from buffet-style to a menu of tailored service packages. The switch is coming because broadband caps and metered broadband, complete with overage fees, are a fairly unsophisticated way of encouraging certain use patterns (such as limiting online video), and capturing additional revenue as broadband becomes more valuable to subscribers.

Zeugma is marketing its software as a way for carriers to manage their network without pissing off consumers the way heavy-handed schemes such as Comcast’s ( s cmcsa) P2P blocking did or Cox’s traffic prioritization plan does. Instead, providers can use SmartMeter to get more detailed traffic stats, set very granular limits on certain types of files, or slow speeds during a certain time of day, in order to offer service packages tailored to certain types of customers — from those who use the web for VoIP to those who game. (We probably won’t see a Torrent Freak package coming anytime soon, though.)

These types of plans exist in the UK, and I’ve warned that they’re a likely next step in the U.S., but it will still hurt to give up on all-you-can-eat broadband in exchange for tailored packages. Such plans offer more flexibility than a rigid cap and could cost less than paying overage fees, but will still raise the total price paid by consumers for web-based services like streaming video. Maybe I’m feeling defeated, but I have to ask myself, did I really think I could get away with paying $45 a month for broadband, voice (using VoIP) and video (using Hulu)? Although, if carriers can goose their revenue with well-planned packages perhaps they won’t need to spy on our surfing in order to sell ads.

Zeugma SmartMeter Makes Bandwidth Capping Granular

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems’ SmartMeter is a bandwidth-capping and metering solution that gives service providers more flexibility.

It allows service providers to build usage-based programs that are more flexible and customer friendly. With SmartMeter, a service provider also could sell a package that guarantees video quality, but caps other bandwidth usage. And SmartMeter can also enable service providers to reduce peak downstream bandwidth once a usage limit has been reached, rather than apply overage charges.

Zeugma’s SmartMeter and the End of Unlimited Broadband

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Read full article here.

Zeugma Debuts SmartMeter for the Broadband Edge

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems, a start-up based in Vancouver, Canada, has enhanced its Zeugma Services Node (ZSN) broadband edge aggregation device with new "SmartMeter" capabilities to help service providers define and enforce fair and flexible broadband policies.

Zeugma's hardware platform integrates routing, subscriber, and service management in a single platform powered by high-performance, multi-core packet processors. The new Smart Series applications run within the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS) to provide granular choices for defining basic and advanced broadband services.

Zeugma Capping & Metering Solution Gets Granular

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems has done studies with IDC that indicate consumers almost universally view capping and metering with disregard. Today, Zeugma unveiled a new bandwidth capping and metering solution.

Noting the irony of this, Kevin Walsh, vice president of marketing at Zeugma, said that doesn’t mean the company is disregarding its own research. Rather, he said, it indicates service providers considering bandwidth capping and metering need to educate subscribers about what those solutions entail. That’s because the Zeugma/IDC research also indicates most customers didn’t know what a gigabyte is or how much bandwidth they consume, and voiced a dislike for the crude nature of bandwidth capping solutions that limit monthly consumption and typically charge per byte after that, he said.

Zeugma Systems is Living on the Access Edge

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Andrew Harries, founding President and CEO of Zeugma Systems, a provider of next-gen subscriber management systems, talks about how it is helping service providers stay viable in the new content-driven world.

Harries answers the following questions in this Audiocast:

In a consolidating and competitive market, how can broadband providers differentiate themselves and add consumer value beyond price and a big pipe?
One solution that Zeugma has developed is its Smart Series Applications, which allows service providers to develop revenue-generating Internet services. Can you talk about the Smart Series and its role in the service provider network?
It's clear that the nature of the video viewer is changing. Viewers can now get their video content not only from video content aggregators such as Netflix and YouTube, but also from traditional broadcasters such as ABC, NBC and CBS who make their content available for free viewing. How can advertisers and service providers get a piece of revenue pie out of this market?
Do you see a continuation of growth in OTT video? Why?
Recently, Blockbuster said that it is looking for potential service provider partners. How significant will players like Blockbuster and Netflix be in a telco's delivery of video? Do you think we'll see some kind of hybrid model with traditional broadcast content mixed with more Internet-based content?

Listen to the Audiocast here.

Measuring and Improving Broadband

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In addition to my last post on universal broadband, I’ve noticed that another aspect of broadband infrastructure the soon-to-exceed-one-trillion-dollar-economic-stimulus-plan will tackle is increasing broadband speeds. The narrative goes something like this: most U.S. consumers are forced to make do with third-world broadband speeds topping out at a couple of megabits per second. Other countries deliver broadband speeds in excess of 100mbps, thus creating a competitive disadvantage that only government spending can overcome. (Does this mean that only government spending can help the Oklahoma City Thunder compete with the Los Angeles Lakers?).

But how, I wonder, are the speeds in the United States and other countries being measured? After I spoke with a number of analysts who cover broadband access, it became apparent that most, if not all, of these comparisons are between advertised speeds. Believe it or not, it appears that many within government actually believe that a 50mbps broadband service, for example, actually allows subscribers to download traffic at 50mbps.

What Does 'Universal Broadband' Really Mean?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There’s been a lot of talk lately over using the upcoming MOASP (mother of all stimulus packages) to promote something called “universal broadband.” Numbers as high as $100 billion have been casually bandied about. While noble sounding, this phrase also sounds suspiciously like “energy independence,” something all politicians profess to want but which remains stubbornly elusive. Just what does “universal broadband” mean?

Most would probably assume it means 100 percent of U.S. households have a broadband connection. Although that may sound like a straightforward definition it’s really not.

To Stream or Not to Stream

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There is a quiet academic debate raging over the optimal method for delivering video files over the Internet. Although applicable to video “candy,” such as might be found on YouTube or The Onion, what really brings this debate to a head is the increasing prevalence of high-quality video (TV episodes and movies) intended for display on the living room HDTV rather than the laptop in the den. Most agree there are three alternatives: trickle-down, streaming and faster-than-real-time (FTRT). The debate centers around which of these is best, both in terms of cost-effective use of network and storage resources, and in satisfying consumer viewing expectations.

Before weighing in, let’s agree that the new style of video consumption can be best called “video surfing.” Like Web surfing and channel surfing, video surfing implies perusing a wide variety of video content before settling on something worth watching. Also like Web and channel surfing, minimizing or eliminating delay between video samples is critical to an enjoyable video surfing experience. This attribute eliminates trickle-down as a candidate.

Making Money from Internet Video

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Webinar Date: December 4, 2008 / Time: 11:30-12:30 EST

Challenges:

Streaming video traffic is swamping your broadband network. You need to provide more bandwidth but good luck raising prices. To make matter worse, the video flowing over your network is moving from short YouTube clips viewed on PCs to full-length television episodes and movies viewed on living room TVs. And other people are getting paid for the traffic going over your network.
One of the most pressing questions facing broadband service providers is "how can we make money from the video traffic threatening our networks?"

An In-depth analysis of the issues:

Zeugma Systems and IDC will present a one-hour webinar analyzing these issues and offering paths foreword that can help telcos increase revenue while giving their customers a more valuable video experience.
IDC analyst Matt Davis will present the results of an extensive series of US consumer surveys that contain startling—and promising—results.
Zeugma's Kevin Walsh will offer alternative pricing models that put broadband operators in a stronger position and leverage their core asset—the broadband network.

Join us for a lively, frank discussion on the challenges we face in the market and how you can make money from Internet video.

AMTA Annual Convention -- Biloxi, MI

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Find out more about AMTA.

What I Learned at Teleco TV

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Conflicted is suddenly the word that comes to mind when I think about telcos getting into video, especially after spending two days in Anaheim at TelcoTV. (See full coverage here.) Here’s why I say that:

Telcos are losing landlines faster than they are signing up television customers and, as SezMi Vice President of Marketing David Allred pointed out, customers who move don’t automatically call the phone company first anymore, since they already have a cellphone. That means telcos without a solid video strategy risk losing residential customers altogether.
But telcos are in the best position to revolutionize TV viewing and make it more personal and more mobile, argued Verizon SVP of Marketing and Digital Media John Harrobin and that gives them a big leg up on the cable industry.
The technology is widely available to extend IPTV to the small screen (think iPhone) and put Internet video on a TV – I saw these things happen at exhibits including Widevine, Envivio, and Zeugma Systems, and heard about it from AT&T.

I Don't Want 'Best Effort'

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Maybe it’s been obvious to everyone else for some time but only recently became evident to me. But I think not. The fact that so many industry luminaries use the term “best effort” as if it’s a good (i.e., fair) thing clearly indicates that they believe it. And, unfortunately, government regulators often take their cues from these luminaries and similarly conclude that “best effort” is a good thing. What recently became obvious to me was that “best effort” is actually a bad thing.

Possibly the reason “best effort” has been misconstrued as a good thing is because it has the word “best” in it. How can something with the word “best” be bad? Or it could be that we told our children, when they were quite young and playing t-ball, “Well, at least you gave it your best effort.” We intended this to instill confidence in our otherwise athletically challenged offspring.

TelcoTV: Zeugma, Roku Demo QoE for Pay-Extra Services

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems will demonstrate the ability for service providers to deliver movies and TV episodes from Netflix Inc. (NFLX) to Roku digital video players with guaranteed quality of service, as the foundation for pay-extra Internet offerings.

Zeugma sees the TelcoTV show demo as proof-of-concept that it has been pushing since its inception, and especially since it announced availability of the SmartVideo app, the first in a series of offerings that harness the upstart’s infrastructure.

In the demo, the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN) and the recently announced Zeugma SmartVideo application “will dynamically identify Netflix Internet video streams, perform connection admission control, and incrementally allocate the appropriate amount of bandwidth exclusively to that video stream.”

Upcoming Shows - See you at Telco TV!

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Anaheim, CA

Booth 841

Zeugma and Roku Demonstrate Premium Internet Video at TelcoTV

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SmartVideo Application Ensures Maximum Video Quality, Delivering A Monetizable Internet Video Product to Broadband Service Providers

TELCOTV, NOVEMBER 11, 2008, ANAHEIM, CA—Zeugma Systems, a privately held supplier of open telecommunications solutions, will demonstrate the ability for broadband service providers (BSPs) to deliver movies and TV episodes from Netflix to Roku digital video players with guaranteed quality of service at TelcoTV (Anaheim, California, November 11-13, booth number 841). The demonstration will highlight the ability of the Zeugma Services Node and the Zeugma SmartVideo™ application to dynamically identify Netflix internet video streams, perform connection admission control (CAC), and incrementally allocate the appropriate amount of bandwidth exclusively to that video stream. Together, these capabilities represent the basis of an opt-in premium internet video service that, according to recent surveys by IDC, consumers increasingly desire and are willing to pay for.

BSPs can add the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN), a service delivery router (SDR), to any DSL- or FTTP-based broadband network, thereby facilitating the delivery of enhanced internet services such as gaming, VOIP, corporate VPNs, and, in this case, streaming video. In addition to providing broadband aggregation and subscriber management functions, the ZSN incorporates a fully federated compute grid and the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS). This construct allows service providers to quickly prototype and deliver revenue-generating new services.

According to Tim Twerdahl, vice president of consumer products for Roku, “There is no question that the Roku digital video player, in conjunction with Zeugma’s ability to ensure video quality, gives broadband service providers an additional product that they can use to increase per-subscriber revenue. This is especially important as we begin to deliver high-definition video over the Internet directly to consumer TVs.”

The TelcoTV demonstration will employ two live video feeds from Netflix, one of which will be protected using the SmartVideo application. Additional load from other services on the broadband network will not cause any impairment to the SmartVideo-enhanced stream. Zeugma will also demonstrate SmartMonitor, an application within the Zeugma Smart Suite that produces quality of experience (QOE) metrics, further illustrating the benefits of the SmartVideo application and assisting with service provider troubleshooting, auditing, and billing.

Added Zeugma vice president of marketing Kevin Walsh, “In many ways this is the last piece of the internet video puzzle. Internet video storefronts, such as Netflix, and digital video players, such as Roku, have done an outstanding job bringing a vast array of video content to consumer televisions. The Zeugma Services Node facilitates this video entertainment model by ensuring that video quality meets subscriber expectations when viewed on large, flat-panel HDTVs.”

While providing added value to IPTV and walled-garden video on demand (VOD) offerings, SmartVideo also gives providers a less expensive but more expansive VOD alternative. Service providers increasingly view walled-garden VOD offerings as expensive to assemble and inherently limited in scope. Internet video is quickly supplanting walled-garden VOD as the go-to source for on-demand video entertainment.

About Zeugma Systems

Zeugma Systems is a privately held telecommunications equipment supplier delivering open solutions that accelerate new service deployment for broadband service providers of all types. The Zeugma Services Node, a service delivery router, uniquely combines massive compute resources with a high-capacity data plane to yield reliable application integration and rapid turn-up of new services together with broadband aggregations and subscriber management. For additional information, please visit www.zeugmasystems.com.

About Roku

Roku is a market leader in innovative applications for digital media. Through its work in both software and hardware, the company develops and sells consumer products and business solutions to bring rich media to the end user. Its products include The Netflix Player by Roku, and the BrightSign line of digital signage controllers. Roku is privately held and based in Saratoga, Calif. For more information on the company and its products, visit: http://www.roku.com.

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

Zeugma Introduces Smart Series Applications for Rapid Development of Revenue-generating Internet Services

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New SmartVideo Application Helps Broadband Providers Quickly Develop
Premium Opt-in Internet Video Services

NOVEMBER 5, 2008, VANCOUVER, BC—Zeugma Systems, a privately held supplier of open telecommunications solutions, today announced the Zeugma Smart™ Series applications that run within the highly flexible Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS), which facilitates rapid, cost-effective development of new services. SmartVideo™, the first application in the Smart Series, enables service providers to monetize the video traffic already traversing their networks by creating a high-quality, always-available premium internet video services that they can sell to their residential customers for an incremental fee. SmartVideo enables service providers to turn streaming internet video into a premium opt-in video experience by identifying and allocating the appropriate amount of bandwidth to video traffic, including high-definition (HD) video, yielding a viewing experience approaching that of a locally attached DVD player.

The Zeugma Smart Series provides a range of applications opportunities in the Zeugma OAS, which runs on an extensible compute grid directly within the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN). The ZSN is a service delivery router (SDR) that combines massive compute resources with next-generation capacity, service awareness, and subscriber awareness. Service providers can identify new service requirements with the Zeugma OAS, roll them into their network via the ZSN, and quickly launch new services. Wireline service providers can reap a number of benefits from using Zeugma SmartVideo:

SmartVideo is an umbrella for developing applications for video streams from premium video-content providers such as Netflix, YouTube, Apple iTunes, Hulu, and others
Providers can quickly, easily, and cost-effectively create, test, and implement premium video services that will result in increased ARPU
The availability of premium internet video services will help attract and retain customers and reduce customer churn
Such services will enable providers to gain a better share of the broadband market compared to their cable competitors

“Service providers can drastically shorten time to market for video services—and cut development costs—with the Zeugma SmartVideo application,” said Tom Meehan, vice president of product line management at Zeugma. “Typically it takes a tremendous amount of time and money to develop new video services and determine if they work properly and will be profitable. With SmartVideo, providers can develop premium video services, test them, refine them, and, if they fail to achieve market traction, discard them, all in internet timeframes. Providers can thus move forward with their best ideas quickly, saving both time and money.”

A survey of U.S. consumers conducted by International Data Corporation (IDC) shows conclusively that consumers want to watch premium video and are willing to pay incremental fees for a better Internet video service. About 94 percent of respondents saw value in dynamically allocating premium bandwidth to traffic such as video, and 26 percent would be willing to pay additional fees for premium bandwidth services. A majority of respondents, 54 percent, said they would actively seek to change service providers if another one offered such services.

SmartVideo Provides Everything Needed for Premium Service

Zeugma SmartVideo performs all six functions that are prerequisite to offering a premium internet video service:

Session identification. Using deep session inspection (DSI) technology, SmartVideo observes all downstream subscriber traffic and identifies the initiation of streaming video sessions.

Policy determination. SmartVideo next checks the policy for each session to determine if the subscriber has purchased premium video services.

Connection admission control (CAC). SmartVideo determines if the appropriate network resources are available to provide the necessary bandwidth for the entire video session. CAC is especially important as networks become more and more congested.

Dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA). If CAC determines there is sufficient bandwidth, SmartVideo reserves bandwidth for the duration of the subscriber’s session. The combination of CAC and bandwidth allocation is of prime importance to ensuring the subscriber has a high-quality video experience. Solutions that simply slap priority 1 tags on video packets as they go by do not ensure that the network has adequate resources and do not enable service providers to make quality guarantees. Such solutions cannot differentiate video traffic from other priority 1 traffic or ensure that when many subscribers are watching priority 1 video simultaneously that each will receive the appropriate bandwidth.

Quality of experience (QOE) monitoring. Monitoring the quality of a connection ensures the provider is delivering the high-quality video experience demanded by subscribers. The QOE of video delivered via SmartVideo approaches that delivered by a locally attached DVD player, even a Blu-ray player. Quality monitoring is also important for troubleshooting, customer care, and other functions.

Session settlement. Necessary for billing and auditing purposes, session settlement releases bandwidth and generates settlement records that allow the database to record what happened during the session, when it happened, and what the session’s QOE was.

With the above core functions handled by Zeugma SmartVideo, service providers are freed to very quickly and inexpensively identify new video service requirements, create new services, roll them into the network for testing, determine whether or not they are successful, and if they are, implement them—all within the space of a few weeks.

“In these tight economic times, service providers worldwide are trying to protect their revenue base by the introduction of new applications, especially those involving video,” stated Michael Howard, principal analyst at Infonetics Research. “Even though providers are spending over $12B a year in applications development, they are experiencing problems in getting the right applications to market quickly. Tools such as SmartVideo will be attractive to telcos faced with these challenges.”

Availability

The Zeugma SmartVideo application is available now. Contact Zeugma for pricing information.

About Zeugma Systems

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

Zeugma Launches Smart Apps

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Equipment vendor Zeugma Systems today announced the first in a promised series of applications for its Zeugma Services Node, a services delivery router that puts intelligence for managing services at the edge of the network. The Zeugma Smart Series is built on the Zeugma Open Applications Sandbox, announced last spring when Zeugma first launched its ZSN.

The first application is Smart Video, a capability service providers can use to offer consumers a premium service that guarantees the quality of Internet video they download over their broadband pipes. The service works by leveraging the intelligence at the ZSN to recognize when Internet traffic contains video and to deliver a guaranteed quality of service to that traffic.

Zeugma App Drives Pay-Extra ‘Net Services

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems today announced the first in a series of applications for operators that want to provide differentiated services based on varying levels of Internet bandwidth, at a time when many providers are considering changes in their access offerings.

The upstart vendor says the first application, SmartVideo, lets operators turn their Internet bandwidth into “premium” video services with an incremental fee for guaranteed, always-on capacity.

Zeugma claims it can turn streaming video, specifically, into such a “service” that carries an opt-in option.

Read full article.

Only in Washington…

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I promise after this post I’ll go back to focusing on technology and broadband services, but after our leaders in Washington, D.C., passed the Wesley Mouch-sounding “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008” I just couldn’t resist. What, I wondered, really caused the three-page request by Messrs. Paulson and Bernanke to morph into a 450-page monstrosity? Fortunately, in this age of everything-is-on-the-Web, anyone can pull up the bill and examine it. For those so inclined you can find it at http://financialservices.house.gov/essa/essabill.pdf.

Now, I don’t recommend reading this thing (I certainly didn’t) because it’s really not meant to be read. It’s full of shorthand like “strike this” from bill number x, line number y and “insert that.” So unless you have all referenced legislation at your fingertips, and a whole lot of time, the Act won’t make a lot of sense. Maybe that’s intentional.

But in certain cases, complete paragraphs are unavoidable, even for clever beltway types. There is one such paragraph which, for me, summed up why it takes government so long to move and how we got into this situation in the first place. To wit: The term “top-loading clothes washer” means a clothes washer which has the clothes container compartment access located on the top of the machine and which operates on a vertical axis.

Bandwidth caps and restrictions face opposition from customers, says IDC

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As service providers begin testing the viability of bandwidth caps and metered usage, broadband subscribers have become vehemently opposed to such restrictions, according to an IDC survey conducted in August.

Lately, broadband providers and other Internet gatekeepers have been exploring new ways to monetize network usage in an effort to reduce maintenance and other expenses.

These experimental strategies include setting hard and soft bandwidth caps, metering access and throttling the bandwidth of heavy users. The survey revealed that 81% of the respondents were opposed to such bandwidth restrictions, however.

Survey: US subscribers anti bandwidth capping and metering, pro premium services

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new survey conducted in the US by research house IDC provides empiric results that directly contradict the perceived beliefs of policy makers and the PR spin of service providers.

The research, carried out in August and published this week, focuses on consumer views of broadband, (including bandwidth capping and Internet privacy issues) rather than on the seat-of-the-pants and apparently misguided beliefs of those within the industry.

The results make interesting reading, especially in light of the fact that many service providers have convinced themselves that the way forward is to increase their revenues and profits by - on the one hand, offering "premium" (i.e. more expensive) bandwidth channels whilst simultaneously, on the other, imposing restrictions such as bandwidth caps and metered billing systems on subscribers who choose not to opt for more expensive services.

LR Names 2008 Leading Lights Finalists

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Light Reading has determined the finalists for the fifth annual Leading Lights Awards, which recognize top companies and their executives for outstanding achievements in the field of next-gen communications.

The Leading Lights Award winners will be announced before an audience of service providers, analysts, and technology and business press at an exclusive, invitation-only gala dinner on Monday, Oct. 20, following the first day of Light Reading's Ethernet Expo 2008.

The finalists were determined -- and the winners will be judged -- by a panel of Light Reading editors and Heavy Reading analysts. Keeping watching this space, too, because later this week we'll unveil the first Light Reading Leading Lights Reader Survey, through which you can have a voice in helping us determine which companies and people deserve Light Reading’s ultimate accolade.

For now, let's unveil the Leading Lights finalists. Here are all the awards up for grabs, followed by the finalists in each category.

Consumers prefer premium broadband to caps, metering

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new International Data Corp. survey shows consumers adamantly oppose bandwidth caps or metered Internet services but do see value in premium services that provide special treatment of voice, video, gaming, telecommuting or other specific applications.

According to the survey results, 94% of respondents saw value in such premium services and 54% would be willing to change to a broadband service provider that offered this service. A smaller number, 26%, was willing to pay their service provider additional fees for a premium bandwidth service, however.

Zeugma Systems, which makes network edge gear that enables such premium services, views these survey results as an endorsement of its approach to enabling service providers to generate new revenue and manage their broadband networks efficiently, said Kevin Walsh, Zeugma’s vice president of marketing.

Shocker: Consumers Hate Broadband Caps

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new survey conducted by International Data Corporation on behalf of Zeugma Systems not too surprisingly finds that consumers aren't big fans of monthly data caps. Though it's a low dataset of 787 consumers polled, 81% say they don't like the idea of being capped and charged overages, and 51% say they'd try to change ISPs if their provider implemented caps. More interesting perhaps is that only 5% of those polled agreed with the sentiment that "those who use more should pay more," and 83% say that they do not know what a gigabyte is or have no idea how many gigabytes they use.

Survey: Users Reject Bandwidth Caps

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Broadband users are overwhelmingly against the idea of bandwidth caps, but might be interested in paying for guaranteed quality of service (QOS) for some applications, according to a new survey.

The survey, which was conducted by research firm IDC on behalf of Zeugma Systems Inc. , found that 81 percent of broadband users were against the idea of bandwidth caps, and more than 50 percent said they would attempt to change service providers if bandwidth caps were initiated by their ISP.

That may be due in part to customer education about caps and usage. After all, 83 percent of respondents said they do not know what a gigabyte is or how many they use in a given month. And the survey found that light and moderate broadband users were often more opposed to caps than heavy users.

Zeugma vice president of marketing Kevin Walsh says that ISPs are looking for alternative revenue streams, as subscribers increasingly move away from fixed-line services. With one fifth of customers no longer signing up for traditional phone service, Walsh says there's a "sense of desperation at wireline telcos."

Predictable Survey Says...

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Timing, as they say, is everything. Therefore, it follows that a survey showing that consumers aren't wild about Internet service consumption caps would show up the day before Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK)'s new 250 gigabyte consumption ceiling on "excessive" use goes live. (See Comcast Draws the Line at 250GB and Survey: People Don't Like Caps.)

A survey of 787 U.S. consumers conducted by International Data Corporation (IDC) for Zeugma Systems Inc. last month, found that:

81 percent do not like the idea of establishing a bandwidth cap and charging for use above the cap.
51 percent would try to change service providers if their broadband service provider imposed bandwidth caps. Findings also suggested that "light and moderate users" are even more opposed to capping and metering than are power users.
83 percent either do not know what a gigabyte is or have no idea how many they use.
Only 5 percent said unequivocally that "those who use more should pay more."

Read full article.

Zeugma Publishes Broadband Survey

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma published the results of an IDC survey of U.S. 787 consumers that was conducted in August 2008. The survey produced the following conclusions:

On Premium Bandwidth Services:

94 percent of respondents saw value in broadband services that dynamically allocate premium bandwidth for certain types of traffic, such as video, VOIP, gaming, and telecommuter VPNs.
54 percent would actively seek to change service providers if another offered this service; 26 percent would be willing to pay additional fees for premium bandwidth services.

Users Don't Like Caps

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An International Data Corporation (IDC (News - Alert)) study confirms what you might guess: users do not like bandwidth caps. Some 81 percent of surveyed users say they do not like the idea of establishing a bandwidth cap and charging for use above the cap.

About 51 percent say they would try to change service providers if their broadband provider imposed bandwidth caps. Light and moderate users are even more opposed to capping and metering than are heavy users. That suggests the real issue is not bandwidth caps, but the inability to measure and understand one's usage.

The study shows that 83 percent of respondents either do not know what a gigabyte is or have no idea how many they use. And just five percent were unequivocally sure that “those who use more should pay more.” Again, this response undoubtedly is the result of lack of knowledge about their own use. It is highly unlikely most users would object to caps that are so far above their actual use there effectively is no danger a cap ever will be triggered.

New Survey a Wakeup Call for Broadband Service Providers

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. Consumer Survey Yields Results Offering Promise and Peril for Broadband Service Providers

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008, VANCOUVER, BC—A recently completed survey of U.S. consumers conducted by International Data Corporation (IDC) yielded results at odds with the views of many telecom policy makers and industry observers. The survey, which was conducted in August, focused on consumer views on broadband priority, bandwidth capping, and internet privacy. Given that many broadband service providers (BSPs) are contemplating offering premium bandwidth channels as well as imposing bandwidth caps and metered billing systems, these results are of critical importance to service providers of all types.

According to Matt Davis, director of multiplay research at IDC, “While some of the results of this survey were in line with expectations, others were significantly at odds with prevailing wisdom. Specifically, consumers continue to be protective of their privacy but are adamantly opposed to bandwidth caps and keenly interested in premium bandwidth services. These last two points may come as a surprise to those believing that bandwidth caps are inevitable and that consumers are unwilling to pay more for better services.”

The survey produced these key conclusions:

On Premium Bandwidth Services

a) 94 percent of respondents saw value in BSP services that dynamically allocate premium bandwidth for certain types of traffic, such as video, VOIP, gaming, and telecommuter VPNs.

b) 54 percent would actively seek to change service providers if another BSP offered this service; 26 percent would be willing to pay their BSPs additional fees for premium bandwidth services.

On Bandwidth Capping and Metering

c) 81 percent do not like the idea of establishing a bandwidth cap and charging for use above the cap.

d) 51 percent would try to change service providers if their BSP imposed bandwidth caps. Interestingly, light and moderate users are even more opposed to capping and metering than are heavy users.

e) 83 percent either do not know what a gigabyte is or have no idea how many they use.

f) Only 5 percent said unequivocally that “those who use more should pay more.”

Zeugma vice president of marketing Kevin Walsh adds, “These results are both an opportunity and a warning for BSPs. The opportunity is that consumers are signaling a willingness to pay more for dedicated bandwidth over and above basic high speed internet for such services as premium internet video, VOIP, gaming, and corporate VPN access. The warning is a clear distaste for bandwidth caps. At a minimum, providers moving forward with bandwidth capping schemes may want to consider a more intelligent and flexible application of caps.” Walsh continued, “Zeugma customers are uniquely able to capitalize in these market characteristics by quickly prototyping and delivering advanced bandwidth allocation services and agile bandwidth capping mechanisms.”

The IDC survey consisted of responses from 787 U.S. consumers and was conducted between August 18 and August 29, 2008. Contact Matt Davis, IDC at 508-935-4254 for additional information.

Source: IDC, IDC Survey Shows Consumers Support Smarter Networks, Doc # lcUS21449408, September 2008.

About Zeugma Systems

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Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

Do Economic Headlines Impact Consumer Telecom Spending?

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many telecom executives quite rightly wonder if the steady diet of the-sky-is-falling economic headlines will put a dent in the willingness of consumers to spend more money on the advanced new services they are readying.

Century-old investment banks are disappearing. Bailouts are approaching a trillion dollars (and even for the U.S. government, which doesn’t actually have any money of its own, that’s a big chunk of change.) Global financial systems are almost freezing up. (I heard, for the first time, the term “re-boot” applied to something other than a computer.) What does all of this mean with regard to consumer spending on telecom (voice, video, data) services?

Posted By Kevin Walsh

No Surprise: Survey Shows U.S. Consumers Hate Broadband Caps

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It should hardly come as a surprise to anyone — but nevertheless a survey conducted by International Data Corporation on behalf of Zeugma Systems, a company that makes an edge router for broadband networks, shows that consumers simply hate bandwidth caps and will likely switch to another carrier if they have the option. The survey polled 787 U.S. consumers. Here are some key findings of the survey:

81 percent do not like the idea of establishing a bandwidth cap and charging for use above the cap.
51 percent would try to change service providers if their BSP imposed bandwidth caps.
83 percent say that do not know what a gigabyte or have no idea how many gigabytes they use.
Even light users are opposed to the whole idea of bandwidth capping.
Only 5 percent said unequivocally that “those who use more should pay more.”

Zeugma Adds Telchemy Quality Monitoring to Open Application Sandbox

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Allows broadband service providers to ensure subscriber quality of experience (QOE)
for VOIP and IP video services

SEPTEMBER 9, 2008, VANCOUVER, BC—Zeugma systems, a privately held supplier of open telecommunications solutions, today announced the addition of Telchemy’s quality of experience (QOE) monitoring tools to the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS). The Zeugma OAS, a protected application environment running on an extensible compute grid directly within the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN), facilitates rapid development of new services and integration of third-party applications. Telchemy’s VQmon applications provide broadband service providers (BSPs) with robust mechanisms for monitoring QOE on VOIP, internet video, IPTV, and video on demand (VOD) traffic.

According to Sig Luft, Zeugma founder and CTO, “There is clearly increased interest among BSPs in quality of service (QOS)-specific ‘channels’ on top of basic high-speed internet access—channels capable of delivering internet video, VOD, IPTV, and VOIP service quality commensurate with subscriber expectations. Paramount to allowing BSPs to generate sustained revenue from these service channels is the assurance of subscriber QOE. Network platforms, such as the ZSN, delivering QOS channels must also monitor and enforce QOE in order to afford BSPs a complete solution. Telchemy’s VQmon technology is well-accepted, robust, and accurate, providing our customers with essential data on the quality of their services.”

Telchemy’s VQmon efficiently analyzes multiple VOIP and IP video streams, producing real-time mean opinion scores (MOS) and detailed diagnostic data. VQmon/HD analyzes IP video streams, providing video MOS, I/B/P frame statistics, content related metrics, and other essential data for every IPTV or VOD stream. VQmon/SA monitors VOIP calls and produces listening and conversational quality MOS and R-factor scores. Aggregation of CPE-reported metrics through the media path using RTCP XR (RFC 3611) is also supported. VQmon/HD and VQmon/SA are marketed as components of the Zeugma QOE Monitor application.

Added Alan Clark, Telchemy president and CEO, “Zeugma is the first to see the benefit in tightly coupling robust quality monitoring tools with a high-performance broadband aggregation, routing, and subscriber management device. It not only provides real-time, non-intrusive visibility into critical subscriber services, it also opens the door to automatically taking corrective action when network anomalies occur. For example, increasing bandwidth associated with a video stream when the MOS drops below a certain threshold.”

The Zeugma QOE Monitor makes use of the extensive deep session inspection (DSI) and compute grid resources available on the ZSN. The compute grid provides a federated set of compute resources that can be added to over time as network demands scale. The compute grid also provides a redundant environment to ensure high network availability.

The Zeugma QOE Monitor is available now. Contact Zeugma for pricing information.

About Zeugma Systems

About Telchemy

Telchemy is the global leader in voice and video over IP performance management technology with its VQmon® , DVQattest™ and SQmon™ families of service quality monitoring and analysis software products. Telchemy is the world's first and only company to provide voice and video IP performance management technology that considers the effects of time-varying network impairments and has led the development of VOIP performance management protocols within the industry. Founded in 1999, the company has products deployed worldwide and markets its technology through leading networking, test and management product companies. For additional information, please visit www.telchemy.com.

Contact Information

Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

Zeugma Systems Adds Telchemy QoE Monitoring Tools to Open Application Sandbox

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma (News - Alert) Systems, a privately held supplier of open telecommunications solutions, has announced the addition of Telchemy’s quality of experience (QoE) monitoring tools to the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS).

Sig Luft, Zeugma founder and CTO, shared in a Tuesday statement: “There is clearly increased interest among BSPs in quality of service (QOS)-specific ‘channels’ on top of basic high-speed internet access — channels capable of delivering internet video, VOD, IPTV (News - Alert), and VOIP service quality commensurate with subscriber expectations.”

“Paramount to allowing BSPs to generate sustained revenue from these service channels is the assurance of subscriber QOE. Network platforms, such as the ZSN, delivering QOS channels must also monitor and enforce QOE in order to afford BSPs a complete solution. Telchemy’s VQmon technology is well-accepted, robust, and accurate, providing our customers with essential data on the quality of their services.”

Former SBC Senior Executive Joins Zeugma Board of Directors

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

J. Michael Turner Brings Extensive Background Working with Tier-One Service Provider

AUGUST 11, 2008, VANCOUVER, BC—Zeugma Systems, a privately held supplier of open telecommunications solutions, today announced the addition of J. Michael (Mike) Turner to the Zeugma board of directors. Turner has more than 30 years of experience at SBC (now AT&T (NYSE: T)), most recently as president of SBC DataComm, Global & Internet Services, where he was responsible for providing internet services, global customer care, and networking services and integration. In addition to domestic and international responsibilities, Turner has worked extensively with digital media companies.

Zeugma CEO Andrew Harries noted, “Mike’s first-hand experience and success with tier one service providers, as well as more recent work he has done with content providers, are valuable additions to our board. He understands the big picture and the complex business challenges facing our customers. In addition, his background will allow us to more strategically evaluate our customers’ needs and focus on forward-looking products that ultimately increase revenues for service providers.”

Turner held senior officer positions with diverse responsibilities leading key SBC business units, including SBC Broadband Services and SBC Advanced Solutions. As head of SBC’s DataComm division he managed 7,000 employees throughout 36 states and Canada, and led SBC Internet Services as it expanded to over one million customers. While at SBC, Turner improved network cost structure, shifted capital to forward-looking products and services, and identified cost-effective ways to enter new markets during a time of increasing competition and regulatory challenges.

“Zeugma is truly unique among private high-tech companies because of the capabilities its products offer to service providers,” stated Turner. “I was particularly drawn to the advances Zeugma is making in helping service providers quickly prototype and market new services that can rapidly generate new revenue streams. This is precisely what broadband operators are searching for.”

Since leaving SBC, Turner has consulted to a broad variety of technology and digital media companies. Turner holds an MBA from Illinois Benedictine University and a BSEE from Lamar University.

About Zeugma Systems

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Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com

I've heard this before (Telephony)

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

No one professes to like it. They claim that they’re forced into it. They use words like “inevitable” and “unavoidable.” They claim that since a minority of people misuse the system a majority of people must pay more. Or pay differently.

Posted By Kevin Walsh

Zeugma Adds Mike Turner to its Board

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems, a start-up based in Vancouver, Canada, has added J. Michael (Mike) Turner to its board of directors. Turner has more than 30 years of experience at SBC (now AT&T), most recently as president of SBC DataComm, Global & Internet Services, where he was responsible for providing internet services, global customer care, and networking services and integration. In addition to domestic and international responsibilities, Turner has worked extensively with digital media companies.
http://www.zeugmasystems.com
11-Aug-08

In May 2008, Zeugma unveiled its Zeugma Services Node (ZSN), a broadband edge aggregation device designed to help broadband operators identify, monitor, manage and customize service flows traversing their networks. Zeugma integrates routing, subscriber, and service management in a single platform powered by high-performance, multi-core packet processors. The system leverages a customized compute grid architecture and up to 520,000 DMIPS compute capacity to identify and monitor session flows on a highly granular per-subscriber, per-service basis.
Zeugma Systems is led by Andrew Harries, co-founder, President and CEO and who previously co-founded Sierra Wireless Inc.; Siegfried Luft, founder, CTO and formerly a senior development executive at Redback Networks; Jeff Dillabough, VP Engineering, formerly at PMC-Sierra; Tom Meehan, VP product management, previously at Redback Networks; Wayne Shackelford, SVP Worldwide Sales, who formerly led sales at several startups and at Newbridge Networks USA; and Kevin Walsh, VP of Marketing, who previously was VP of Corporate Marketing at Calix.
In December 2007, Zeugma announced completion of its US$22.5 million Series B financing. The financing was led by new investor Vertex Venture Capital. The syndicate members include returning investors Granite Ventures, Ventures West, Yaletown Venture Partners, GrowthWorks Capital Ltd. and BDC Venture Capital, as well as new investors GTD Capital and BC Advantage Funds.

Zeugma unveils next generation service delivery platform

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The latest step in the evolution of edge routers as a focal point for network intelligence is here. On the heels of recent product announcements from Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, Juniper and Redback, a new trend is emerging of enhanced platforms with greater deep packet inspection, security features, and application processing.

Posted By &nsbp

Zeugma Systems launches new service delivery router

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After more than four years of development, startup Zeugma Systems this week announced the launch of its Zeugma Services Node (ZSN), a broadband edge product that belongs to a new class of equipment known as the service delivery router. Company representatives say the ZSN combines "staggering" computing and networking horsepower in a single device, enabling broadband service providers to identify and monitor session flows on a per-subscriber, per-service basis.

Posted By &nsbp

Upcoming Shows

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

See you at Nxtcomm '08 - June 17-19, 2008, Las Vegas

Booth SL6509

Zeugma Unveils Service Delivery Router, Expanding Revenue Opportunities for Broadband Service Providers

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

BT One of Several Top Tier Service Providers to Trial Innovative New Broadband Aggregation System

MAY 27, 2008, VANCOUVER, BC—Zeugma Systems, a privately held supplier of open telecommunications solutions, unveiled its flagship product today, the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN). The ZSN is a service delivery router (SDR) that combines massive compute resources with next-generation capacity, service awareness, and subscriber awareness in a carrier-grade, fully redundant system. The result is a new class of equipment that enables service providers to:

Rapidly prototype and launch new revenue-generating services,
Identify and monitor session flows on a highly granular per-subscriber, per-service basis,
Manage individual session flows in order to enforce policy-based quality of service (QOS) and capacity,
Develop applications, such as targeted ad insertion, that add value to individual session flows,
Reduce the number and types of edge devices required to deliver high-value services while performing standard broadband aggregation and subscriber management functions.

The rapid prototype and rollout of new services is achieved via the Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS). The OAS is a framework able to support a multiplicity of applications developed by Zeugma, the service provider, or even third parties. The Zeugma OAS runs on a linearly scalable, high performance compute grid, giving broadband service providers (BSPs) a platform that is truly limitless in its potential to support new services. Application program interfaces (APIs) give applications running on the Zeugma OAS the ability to continuously and dynamically modify the behavior of underlying deep packet inspection (DPI) functions and the dynamic bandwidth manager. This allows, for example, finely-targeted ad insertion, QOS-enhanced over the top (OTT) video, content and URL filtering, enhanced VOIP, active quality of experience (QOE) monitoring, and many other applications.

According to Kevin Woollard, BT (LSE: BT.A, NYSE: BT) technical strategist, office of the CTO, “As an operator we need highly scalable, high performance solutions that allow BT to deliver applications and services in the future that we haven’t even thought of yet. We are currently investigating the Zeugma Services Node’s capabilities, and are excited by the potential of the technology. Whether BT, Zeugma, system integrators, or third-party developers write the applications, the ZSN appears to offer the embedded compute resources able to support them.”

Added Michael Howard, cofounder and principal analyst with industry research firm Infonetics Research, “The future relevance and competitiveness of broadband providers is dependent on their ability to quickly develop and deploy new services—today's value creation and value add is largely in services, and not in the capacity and pipes to deliver such services. The ZSN is the first of a new breed of service delivery routers and could be a game changer. While other suppliers have begun taking steps in this

direction, Zeugma is starting at the next level by integrating general purpose compute resources as a key element of a high-performance edge network element. While throughput capacity will always be a requirement, compute performance may well be the most important metric for this class of network equipment.”

Designed Explicitly for Broadband Service Delivery

The ZSN provides a new level of intelligence, extensibility, and flexibility to broadband service providers through its unique platform architecture, which is composed of the following elements:

1. Compute Blades. The 14-slot Z7 can be configured with up to thirteen Compute Blades (CBs) while the 6-slot Z2 can accommodate up to five CBs. Each CB provides up to 40,000 DMIPS (Dhrystone millions of instructions per second) of processing capacity, yielding a system that scales to 520,000 DMIPS, the equivalent of 520 billion non-floating point operations per second. The ZSN dynamically load balances applications across all available CBs. CBs can be added or removed without impacting system performance and the compute grid will automatically expand and contract to optimize available resources.

2. Traffic Blades. For high-speed broadband aggregation, traffic forwarding, and deep packet inspection, Traffic Blades (TBs) are provided with either 10 x 1GE ports or 6 x 10GE ports. This provides up to 720 Gbps of unidirectional interface capacity on the Z7 and 240 Gbps on the compact Z2.

3. Zeugma Open Application Sandbox (OAS). The ZSN is the first carrier-grade platform to include a native application execution environment. In a manner similar to general-purpose operating systems, the Zeugma OAS not only provides APIs for system control functions but also provides a secure execution environment that isolates applications from external threats, from each other, and from critical system resources. Applications can be added, placed on-line, and taken off-line with no impact to other applications or the ZSN itself.

4. Service Delivery Applications. Zeugma provides a number of applications that can be run within the Zeugma OAS. These include application (e.g., VOIP, VOD) driven QOS (ADQ), application-driven bandwidth (ADB), active VOIP and video quality of experience (QOE) monitoring, URL filtering, and others.

Zeugma president and CEO Andrew Harries observed, “With active trials under way at a number of tier one European and North American service providers, it is increasingly clear that the rapid development and turn-up of new services on a per-subscriber basis is the overriding objective for every network operator. The most logical way to realize that goal is to tightly meld service delivery applications with a high-performance traffic management and forwarding system. This approach uniquely combines internet-time application delivery with carrier-grade reliability.”

Deployed at broadband aggregation points within service provider networks, the ZSN can work in conjunction with existing broadband aggregation and subscriber management systems or it can provide those functions itself in greenfield builds or as part of general network upgrades.

Media

About Zeugma Systems

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Jeannette Bitz

Engage PR 510-748-8200 x207

jbitz@engagepr.com

Zeugma Rethinks Edge Routing

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma Systems Inc. comes out of hiding today to talk about an edge router that, it says, has been crafted to help carriers produce new services more quickly -- an idea that's been popular with router vendors lately..

Zeugma Systems Comes Out of Stealth With Service Delivery Router Technology

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new company called Zeugma Systems today came out from behind the curtain to introduce what it says is a high-powered service delivery router.

The tool will help operators identify, monitor and manage applications on their networks so they can move up the value chain to deliver more targeted services.

Kevin Walsh, vice president of marketing at the Vancouver-based global firm, said the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN) already is in trials with a handful of service providers, including BT, in North America and Europe.

Zeugma Develops Next Gen Broadband Service Delivery Router

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Zeugma, a start-up based in Vancouver, Canada, unveiled its Zeugma Services Node (ZSN), a broadband edge aggregation device designed to help broadband operators identify, monitor, manage and customize service flows traversing their networks. Zeugma integrates routing, subscriber, and service management in a single platform powered by high-performance, multi-core packet processors. The system leverages a customized compute grid architecture and up to 520,000 DMIPS compute capacity to identify and monitor session flows on a highly granular per-subscriber, per-service basis.

Zeugma unveils services router

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Fibresystems. Zeugma Systems, a privately held supplier of open telecommunications solutions, unveiled its flagship product today, the Zeugma Services Node (ZSN). The ZSN is a service delivery router (SDR) that combines massive compute resources with next-generation capacity, service awareness, and subscriber awareness in a carrier-grade, fully redundant system.

Zeugma aims to redefine edge

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Canadian start-up company with a Greek name is introducing a new approach to delivering broadband services designed to streamline delivery and pump up revenues for service providers.

Posted By &nsbp

Zeugma Unveils Broadband Edge Aggregation Device

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Vancouver-based telecom solutions supplier today unveiled a new broadband edge aggregation device that company officials and industry experts say could change the way broadband providers make money.

Zeugma Systems’ so-called “Zeugma Services Node,” or ZSN, is expected to change the way networks operate by tightly melding service delivery applications with a high-performance traffic management and forwarding system, company officials say.

IDC: Consumers willing to pay for faster Net video

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new IDC study shows both service providers and content distributors may be missing revenue opportunities by not offering consumers the option of paying more for faster Internet video downloads.