(16 June 2006 2:40 pm)

MUMBAI: New Zealand technology and telecommunications solutions company, Argent Networks announced that it was launching a new application for Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) billing and mediation as part of its leading ArgentEclipse Convergent Billing and CRM solution.

Argent Networks provides solutions for the voice, data, video and mobile sectors of the global telecommunications market.

This means that IPTV manufacturers and service providers who use ArgentEclipse get a host of added features such as provisioning, CRM/CTI, pre-paid and post-paid billing options, as well as automatic EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) updating for the complete range of IPTV services.

ArgentEclipse now also provides event-based billing for IPTV applications including video on demand, pay-per view, video broadcasting, gaming, content and IPTV telephony services, as per an official release.

Argent Networks CEO Chris Jones says the ArgentEclipse suite of products is the ideal solution for new and existing broadband, cable and TV operators wishing to get into the burgeoning global IPTV market.

"Worldwide demand for IPTV is expected to be huge as broadband is now available to more than 100 million households. Given that many of the biggest telecommunications providers are investing in IPTV for both their residential and business markets, our product is exactly what they need. With ArgentEclipse’s modular and fully convergent CRM and billing products, IPTV operators can now expand their offerings to subscribers, giving them one simple, easy bill for all telephony, data and now video offerings."

Jones also says that the ArgentEclipse IPTV solution provides IPTV manufacturers and service providers with a far more comprehensive suite of applications than has been available before.

"This means that IPTV manufacturers and service providers who use ArgentEclipse get a host of added features such as provisioning, CRM/CTI, pre-paid and post-paid billing options, as well as automatic EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) updating for the complete range of IPTV services."

In addition, Jones says that IPTV subscribers will be provided with options for self- provisioning and subscription to new services, access to online EPG, PVR (personal video recorder) support, online payment and customer services options.