Alcatel fills out video roster with Skystream link

Alcatel, which is among the few large traditional vendors to be in a natural position of providing triple-play oriented equipment, today signed a reseller agreement with SkyStream Networks.

As part of the deal, Alcatel will integrate SkyStream’s Mediaplex-20 video head end as part of its Open Media Suite. Alcatel currently holds the largest global market share in DSL equipment and has been cobbling together a variety of relationships for the video element of triple-play services.

Last month, the company teamed up with Acer and Ambit to win a $5 million-plus contract from Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom to deploy IPTV services.

For SkyStream, the deal gives it a major name in the telco market. The two companies will jointly demonstrate their solution at next week’s IBC 2004 show in Amsterdam.

"We wanted to be part of their Media Partners Program," said Jim Olson, president and CEO of SkyStream. "It’s really a relationship we coveted."

SkyStream also has signed technology alliances with Calix, AFC, Allied Telesyn, Adtran and Paradyne among other access players.

"I think you can expect to see more significant partnerships like this," Olson said.