Azuki Systems, aiming to make it a snap for any content owner or service provider to deliver video anywhere, has introduced an appliance for ingesting and delivering video to a variety of mobile and Internet-connected devices.
The Azuki 5110 Appliance's features include content ingestion and preparation, support for HTTP adaptive-rate streaming, digital rights management and customer authentication, and "session shifting" from landline to mobile networks.
Customers currently using Azuki's wireless media-delivery software include CBS, Fox Mobile, Sony Music, Sony Pictures, Sports Illustrated and Sprint.
"The explosive growth of smartphones and pads coupled with the disruptive delivery of OTT [over-the-top] has forever changed content consumption and is placing unprecedented stress on today's networks," Azuki CEO John Clancy said in a statement. "The Azuki Wireless Platform enables content and infrastructure providers to capitalize on the OTT revolution by taking all of the challenges and pain out of reaching the third screen to any device over any network."
Before joining Azuki in August 2010, Clancy was CEO in residence for Schooner Capital, advising portfolio companies on growth strategies. Prior to that he was president of backup and archiving provider Iron Mountain Digital.
Azuki, based in Acton, Mass., was founded in 2008 and has about 50 employees. The company has raised about $13 million from investors including Sigma Partners and Kepha Partners.
