Ericsson buys TV anywhere firm Azuki Systems

Per Borgklint

Ericsson has agreed to buy TV anywhere platform provider Azuki Systems, in a deal designed to boost Ericsson’s TV and media portfolio.

Ericsson said that the deal will give it additional functionality for deploying TV anywhere services, including adaptive bit rate and content protection technologies, as well as Azuki’s team of skilled software engineers.

Massachusetts-based Azuki was founded in 2008, has 49 employees, and provides TV anywhere platforms for service providers, content owners and broadcasters.

Its solution combines OTT video with personalisation, content protection and scalability and supports different monetisation options.

“We are executing on our TV and media strategy and Azuki adds key technologies and capabilities to extend our market leadership position,” said Per Borgklint, senior vice president and head of business unit support solutions at Ericsson.

“Traditional TV is shifting rapidly towards TV Anywhere. Azuki Systems further positions Ericsson to help customers deliver on the Networked Society’s global demand for customised and personalised media experiences that include content on any screen, any time across any network.”

The deal follows Ericsson’s recent acquisition of Microsoft’s Mediaroom business, which closed in September and established Ericsson as world’s largest provider, by market share, of IPTV middleware technology and solutions.

Ericssson also agreed to linear playout services firm Red Bee Media last year, though the deal is currently under investigation by the UK Competition Commission.

Financial details of the Azuki deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close before the end of February.