Video on demand: Akimbo Unveils Complete Internet VOD Solution
Internet Video Pioneer Becomes First to Offer a Turn-Key Software Solution for Web Video Content Providers; Supports Multiple Business Models and Complete Ad Solution
SAN MATEO — Akimbo(TM), the Silicon Valley company that was first in Internet video delivery, is now first to develop a complete Internet VOD solution for content providers’ own websites.
The Akimbo solution has a comprehensive advertising system and supports
multiple business models including ad-supported, transactional,
subscription, download-to-own, download-to-burn, pay-per-minute, gift
cards, account credits and more.
The announcement was made today by Thomas Frank, president and CEO,
Akimbo.
“One of the most important pieces missing in the stampede to the
Internet video market has been an easy solution for content owners to
control the marketing and sale of their own video assets,” said Frank.
“Until now, content owners have been forced to use incomplete solutions or
rely entirely on distribution deals to publish professional content. We
have engineered a solution that allows content owners to take control of
their own destiny without incurring costly infrastructure expenses or
unreasonable revenue splits with third parties.”
The first content provider to utilize this revolutionary new solution
is MavTV, a multi-platform programming venture targeting male viewers.
“Akimbo is unique in its deep understanding of the quickly evolving
Internet video business,” said Rob Stevens, co-founder and Vice President
of Programming at MavTV. “With Akimbo, we were able to launch quickly,
integrate easily with our existing website and offer our viewers a high
quality, flexible VOD experience. Akimbo’s solution also didn’t require
investing significant resources and relying on multiple technology
partners. We’re confident we now have the best broadband video player of
any cable network in our industry.”
The Akimbo solution can be rapidly deployed by any content provider and
includes both a customizable user interface, as well as a fully integrated
back-end management system to handle all transactions, billing, and
advertising.
To support the development of this new solution, Akimbo secured new
financing led by investors including Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Kleiner
Perkins Caufield and Byers, and Zone Ventures.
“The market for web video is finally taking off, and Akimbo clearly has
the most complete solution at the right time,” said William Randolph
Hearst, III, affiliated partner with Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers.
How It Works
The Akimbo solution is comprised of several key technology components
that allow for flexibility, as well as providing for the ultimate
ease-of-use and security. Content providers manage everything through
Akimbo’s web-based Library Distribution Management system, a user-friendly
tool for managing content and distribution rights, as well as pricing,
tracking and ad rotation. Akimbo’s technology components include:
Consumer Program Guide — The CPG is an easy-to-use, front-end interface
for selecting and viewing full-screen videos and is HD-supported. The CPG
is highly customizable and appears as part of the content providers’ own
website. All pricing options and scheduling are controlled by the content
provider.
Download Manager — This software maintains all the security and usage
rights of the content, allowing the consumer to view and manage their
programs without being connected to the Internet for on-the-go viewing.
Content Publishing System — Quick and efficient, web-based tools allow
content providers to manage all content and usage rights. Content
providers can also preview library content and advertising prior to
distribution and see real-time, highly customizable reports. Encoding and
uploading can be done by the content provider or handled by Akimbo.
Advertising Management System — With extensive reporting capabilities,
the Akimbo AMS simplifies the process of pricing, tracking and rotating
ads.
Subscriber Management System — Akimbo’s solution integrates with existing
SMS and billing systems. Privacy and security protections are paramount,
ensuring only the minimum information necessary for operation is ever
stored within the Akimbo system.
“These technologies are the result of Akimbo’s extensive experience in
internet-delivered VOD,” said Neil Goldberg, Akimbo COO and long-time
content industry expert. “No one else offers such a well-rounded,
well-tested and flexible solution.”
About Akimbo
Akimbo is an industry leader in Internet-delivered VOD. The Akimbo
Internet VOD storefront and back-end management system were created to give
content providers a turnkey solution for delivering a rich set of revenue-
generating broadband video services. Akimbo gives content providers the
ultimate flexibility in selling content to their customers and subscribers.
Akimbo was named to the OnHollywood 100 by AlwaysOn in 2007, as well as
in 2006. Akimbo is located in San Mateo, Calif. and is funded by AT&T,
Blueprint Ventures, Cisco Systems, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Kleiner Perkins
Caufield & Byers, Sprout Group, and Zone Ventures. For more information,
visit http://www.akimbo.com.
About MavTV
MavTV, owned by the Mav’rick Entertainment Network, carries a variety
of programming themes targeting men 18-54, including sports, sports
analysis, gaming, comedy, women and relationships, health and fitness,
finance, gadgets, and movies. MavTV is a 24/7-destination channel dedicated
to reaching men in an irreverent, humorous, opinionated fashion.
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