BSD.L Regulatory News (BSD)

7 Jun 2005 07:02

Orca Interactive Ltd07 June 2005 For immediate release: Tuesday, June 7, 2005 ORCA INTERACTIVE LIMITED Orca signs strategic agreement with Lucent Technologies Lucent also commits to significant pre-purchase of licenses Orca Interactive (LSE: ORCA), a global market leader in developing applicationsfor IPTV, announces that it has signed an agreement to develop and delivernext-generation IPTV solutions with Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU), theworldwide provider of systems, software and services to next-generationcommunications networks. Under the agreement, Lucent has integrated Orca's RiGHTv IPTV middlewareplatform into its network infrastructure solutions for the delivery of videoapplications. The two companies are collaborating to develop a market-readysolution designed to help telecoms service providers to deliver cost-effective,mass market Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services and next-generationmultimedia services at any time on any device. Under the multi-year agreementthe companies are also collaborating on joint developments to enhance serviceproviders' ability to address the quality and control issues associated withdeploying IPTV. As part of the agreement, Lucent has committed to a multi million dollar licensepurchase for Orca's RIGHTv middleware solution. "Lucent is an excellent partner with which Orca can attack the IP Video marketand deliver new technologies that bring better service control to the operator,reduce the total cost of ownership and allow operators to stay ahead of the IPTVinnovation curve," said Haggai Barel, CEO, Orca Interactive. "We are pleasedwith the interest already shown in our joint solution and look forward toworking alongside Lucent to accelerate the deployments of our IP Video services." "When Lucent combines our expertise with Orca's RiGHTv middleware platform, wegive our customers the best IPTV delivery solution today, and lay the foundationfor deploying advanced multimedia services in the future," said Rob Piconi, vicepresident and general manager, Broadband Solutions, Lucent Technologies. For further information: Haggai Barel +972 9769 9400CEO, Orca Interactive James Melville-Ross / Cass Helstrip +44 20 7831 3113Financial Dynamics About Orca Interactive Orca Interactive (LSE-ORCA) is a leading provider of IPTV middleware andapplications for broadband network operators and service providers. Orca enablestriple-play providers to deliver a full array of attractive video-over-IPservices that generate new revenue streams and strengthen customer loyalty.Leveraging a flexible telco-grade middleware platform, Orca empowers operatorsto deliver broadcast TV, video on demand (VOD), personal video recording (PVR),home media and other compelling interactive services. Orca's SI-enabledsolutions are designed for easy outsourcing of integration services by anoperator's preferred systems integrator. Orca has formed strategic partnershipswith leading players across the IPTV value chain to ensure best-of-breedsolutions with low total cost of ownership. For more information, please visithttp://www.orcainteractive.com/ About Lucent Technologies Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, services and software thatdrive next-generation communications networks. Backed by Bell Labs research anddevelopment, Lucent uses its strengths in mobility, optical, software, data andvoice networking technologies, as well as services, to create newrevenue-generating opportunities for its customers, while enabling them toquickly deploy and better manage their networks. Lucent's customer base includescommunications service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide. Formore information on Lucent Technologies, which has headquarters in Murray Hill,N.J., USA, visit http://www.lucent.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange