Alcatel, Microsoft link on IP TV

Alcatel and Microsoft announced today that they have entered into a global collaboration agreement designed to speed the availability of IP-based video over broadband networks.

As part of the agreement, Alcatel and Microsoft will jointly approach telcos as preferred providers with Alcatel providing the access and aggregation equipment while Microsoft includes its middleware. Additionally, the companies will develop specific applications based on customer needs.

“It’s going to set a new benchmark in how services are delivered over broadband networks," said Alan Mottram, president of Alcatel’s Fixed Solutions Division.

In many respects the collaboration is a natural fit. Alcatel has a dominant position as the provider of DSLAMs within Bell operating companies and has already capture primary supplier roles for SBC and BellSouth IP-based video rollouts. Microsoft, meanwhile, has signed deals with SBC, BellSouth and Verizon to provide its Microsoft TV platform.

Moshe Lichtman, corporate vice president of Microsoft TV Division, said the two companies have been working together for some time and the formalized agreement would simply cement the relationship.

“Alan and I first met two and a half years ago, and we’ve had ongoing discussions since then,” he said. “The fact that we have started working very closely in the context of SBC has really let us get to know each other. This thing has been an ongoing process.”

Part of that process will be integrating others into the package. Both companies have numerous alliances, though they will continue to add elements.

“We have a very strong commitment to developing an ecosystem of partners,” Mottram said. “We’re going to change the rules of the game in terms of the economics of deploying this type of solution.”