Siemens clarifies middleware position

Siemens said that it is using ANT Software’s Galio Client within the Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices (SHC) group but that it isn’t abandoning its own Myrio division.

Last week, ANT said SHC had licensed Galio to create TV services across a range of devices (http://telephonyonline.com/iptv/news/Siemens_middleware_ANT_022706/index.html).

Ryan Petty, vice president of product management for Siemens’ Surpass Home Entertainment, said that while SHC will use the ANT’s browser, Myrio would still be its main middleware offering to carriers.

“Very often when vendors create platforms, they’ll include the ANT browser in a reference platform,” Petty said. “And then ANT is either utilized by the middleware vendor or replaced. In the case of Myrio, we replace it with one from Espial.”

However, within the SHC group, which is a separate company from Siemens Communications, ANT has the potential to migrate into the IPTV area. Additionally, ANT remains a partner within Surpass’ interactive development kit, Petty said.