Another PACE Micro datapoint....
PACE MICRO TECHNOLOGY: Pace and Cisco ally to deliver integrated multimedia set-top boxes
09/01/98
M2 PRESSWIRE
(c) Copyright 1998 M2 Communications, Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Pace Micro Technology Plc and Cisco Systems Inc. today announced an alliance to develop a new generation of multimedia set-top boxes that will deliver integrated cable-based digital television, Internet data and telephony services for broadcasters and homes across the world.
The first of these new consumer products, is expected to begin limited rollout in late 1998 with Cable & Wireless Communications. These will be the first products on the market to integrate both digital cable television and Internet technologies within one compact system, enabling the delivery of dynamic new information, communications and interactive entertainment services to the home.
Pace is Europe's largest manufacturer of digital set-top boxes used to decode cable, satellite and terrestrial broadcast services. Cisco Systems is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet.
Under the Alliance, Pace will license Cisco NetWorks internet technologies to provide high speed Internet Protocol (IP)-based communication functionality onto Pace's next-generation digital receiver/decoders for the consumer markets. The two companies will jointly develop a range of set top boxes including a product providing Voice telephony over IP.
Cable & Wireless Communications, Europe's leading integrated communications company, is the first company to order the combined Cisco-Pace solution, which they will deploy throughout their UK digital cable network. According to Cable & Wireless spokesman Noel Leslie, Head of Digital Television: "Cable & Wireless Communications is actively supporting the adoption of open, IP-based standards. This alliance between two important market leaders provides the impetus towards interoperability based on IP protocols, not only in the UK market, but throughout Europe."
Commenting on the alliance with Cisco, Malcolm Miller, Pace's Chief Executive says, "We are at the dawning of the digital revolution, an age where the Internet, information technology, broadcasting and new media will converge on a single consumer device. The digital receiver decoder will become the platform for this convergence. Integrating Cisco's Internet technology and expertise alongside Pace's expertise in consumer devices for digital TV will ensure that we maintain our position at the forefront of the digital revolution."
Charles Giancarlo, Sr. vice president of Global Alliances at Cisco added, "The combination of Cisco's Internet technology and Pace's digital expertise in a single consumer device will provide a platform for the Internet to dramatically impact the way we work live, play and learn. Cable & Wireless Communications' decision to adopt the Cisco-Pace end-to-end IP solution over other delivery systems will give it a clear competitive advantage".
Notes to Editors
The new generation of set-top boxes developed by Pace and Cisco will be the first products in the world based on the new International Telecommunications Union ITU) J.112 or Data-over-Cable System Specification (DOCSIS - MCNS) standard. ITU J.112 provides an open, standards-based solution for broadband connectivity to the home, while ensuring equipment interoperability. The speed and network capabilities of these solutions enable interactive entertainment, Internet services, home Local Area Network connectivity, and exciting communication capabilities, broadly differentiating cable from other non-interactive wireless and satellite delivery systems.
About Pace
Pace Micro Technology plc is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of satellite television receivers, and was the first manufacturer to start volume shipments of digital decoders working to the MPEG - 2 (Moving Picture Experts Group) standard. Pace has already manufactured over 6.5 million analogue and nearly 2.5 million digital set-top boxes. The company operates in over 80 countries worldwide. Pace's head office is in Shipley, West Yorkshire. The company's shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. For further information, please visit our web site at pacemicro.com
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Information is available at cisco.com.
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