LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 1998--DiviCom Inc. (NASDAQ:CUBE), a leading provider of digital video networking solutions, and Adaptec, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADPT), a leading manufacturer of system bandwidth solutions, today announced a strategic relationship. The joint effort is intended to offer satellite-based service providers efficient, standards-based solutions for multimedia networking and enable them to offer new, revenue-generating services. The DiviCom headend system for data broadcasting, called DiviCast, enables IP traffic to be transmitted over MPEG-2 broadband networks. Adaptec builds satellite-to-PC receivers for direct connections between satellites and PCs or servers. Each company has conducted thorough interoperability tests between the DiviCast headend system and the Adaptec Satellite Express PC receiver card to ensure seamless operation. DiviCom will demonstrate the combined solution at the National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas, April 6-9, in booth S3568 in the Sands Expo Center. A host of client-server related applications, such as newspaper delivery and software distribution, will be shown.
New Revenue-Generating Applications
Using DiviCast, DiviCom customers can offer new revenue-generating services and applications including broadcast multimedia streaming services; Internet/Intranet access; electronic product distribution such as corporate database updates, delivery of consumer magazines, and software updates; and interactive multimedia streaming services such as CEO broadcasts and distance learning courses. "The combined Adaptec/DiviCast system will enable satellite-based service providers to expand their service offerings with new multimedia applications," said Lana Vaysburd, General Manager of Adaptec's Satellite Networking Group. "In addition, customers in homes and businesses can enjoy the benefits of high-speed access and broadcast data delivery services. Adaptec is excited about the opportunity to partner with DiviCom and offer its customers a reliable, cost-effective means of moving information from satellites into networks and desktop computers." "By teaming with leading manufacturers such as Adaptec, our satellite-based customers are assured the most flexible solutions available to implement new, revenue-generating services," said Tom Lookabaugh, president of DiviCom Inc. "Combining our MPEG-2 networking expertise with Adaptec's ability to address the mass market through its various channels and OEM relationships makes a powerful alliance. Each vendor remains focused on its key strengths, making each part of the solution top-notch." EUTELSAT, Europe's leading satellite operator, is the first in Europe to deliver DVB-based data broadcasting services throughout Europe using the DiviCast headend system and the Adaptec Satellite Express PC receiver card. EUTELSAT played a key role in the finalization of the DBV standard for data broadcasting in April 1997. In December, it signed an agreement with Adaptec and DiviCom to boost satellite-delivered multimedia and Internet services in Europe. Two platforms are already demonstrating services in Paris and London, and a third operational platform will go live in Hungary later this month. "EUTELSAT pioneered satellite delivery of DVB-based digital television to cable and DTH antennas in the European region, and is now positioning itself as a global player for DVB-based data broadcasting services to business and home PCs," said Antonio Arcidiacono, head of Multimedia Services at EUTELSAT. "Adaptec and DiviCom are the first suppliers selected by EUTELSAT for offering integrated full standard DVB solutions, from uplink to PC, for content and service providers of IP-based data broadcasting."
DiviCast System Features and Benefits
Satellite service providers can save time and money while enhancing revenues by using the DiviCast system to:
-- Quickly integrate data broadcasting capabilities into their existing MPEG-2 headends to provide multimedia-rich data services at high bit rates
-- Leverage off-the-shelf IP client-server applications to deploy data services
-- Cost-effectively distribute data and video over a wide or dispersed audience
-- Easily manage the data broadcasting system via a graphical user interface, online help and technical support
The DiviCast headend system is expected to ship in the second quarter, 1998. Please contact DiviCom for pricing information.
About the Satellite Express ABA-1030
The Satellite Express ABA-1030 is a DVB compliant PCI-to-satellite receiver for connecting Windows 95 or NT 4.0 systems directly to satellite networks. This direct connection can deliver real-time data, Internet, Extranet, audio, video, multimedia and business or consumer information to users worldwide.
About Adaptec
Adaptec provides bandwidth management technologies for organizations building the global information infrastructure. Its high performance I/O, connectivity and network products are incorporated into the systems and products of major computer and peripheral manufacturers. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, Adaptec (NASDAQ:ADPT) employs 3,500 people worldwide in design, manufacturing, sales, service and distribution. Adaptec's home page address is adaptec.com.
DiviCom Inc.
DiviCom develops and integrates products that make digital video networking possible. Products include audio/video encoding and decoding systems, and integration consulting and implementation services. Based on the MPEG-2, DVB and ATSC international standards, DiviCom's products enable digital video broadcasting over a variety of networks including satellite, wireless, fiber and cable. DiviCom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of C-Cube Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:CUBE), and both companies are based in Milpitas, Calif. C-Cube is the leading provider of digital video silicon solutions for the communications, consumer electronics and convergence markets. DiviCom can be reached by phone at 408/944-6700, by fax at 408/944-6705, or via the World Wide Web at divi.com. |