(15 November 2007 5:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Alcatel-Lucent has signed an agreement with UAE telecom operator du for its upcoming Internet protocol television (IPTV) deployment based on the Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV and multimedia platform.

In addition, Alcatel-Lucent will act as the end-to-end network integrator of a complete IPTV solution comprising network infrastructure, Microsoft Mediaroom, services fulfillment and OSS/BSS integration, subscriber data management, and content asset management integration and implementation.

The project will include broadcast TV and video on demand (Vod), with content featuring high definition (HD)-quality picture resolution. Du’s IPTV will offer user-friendly features like instant channel change, multiple picture-in-picture and personal video recorder (PVR) functionality (such as one-touch recording and pausing live TV).

In this complex technical environment, Alcatel-Lucent will manage interdependent integration project streams from the network infrastructure and Microsoft platforms, subscriber database migration, and OSS/BSS integration as well as the overall solution testing and validation of du’s solution.

Alcatel-Lucent supports du’s time-to-market objectives by implementing a secure and reliable infrastructure capable of delivering high-end multimedia services.

du CEO Osman Sultan says, " In our drive to innovatively use technology to offer more convenience and comfort to our customers, du collaborates with partners who share this vision. In this instance, we wanted someone capable of designing, developing and deploying a complete IPTV solution, integrating all the different parts of the technical solution seamlessly.

”Alcatel-Lucent’s unique end-to-end network integration capabilities support the Microsoft Mediaroom software platform while providing applications that help du create compelling services.”

Alcatel-Lucent’s Olivier Picard says, “Alcatel-Lucent is committed to help du playing a market leadership role by pioneering IPTV service delivery in the UAE and the Middle-East. This is the first implementation of the Microsoft Mediaroom software platform in the Middle East and this new customer reference will enhance our real-world experience in bringing IPTV and entertainment services to market.”

Microsoft TV GM marketing Christine Heckart says, “Working together, du, Alcatel-Lucent and Microsoft are delivering a new era of connected TV services to consumers in the Middle East.

“du is well positioned to harness the power of the latest TV platform innovations to deliver very unique and compelling connected TV experience to its subscribers.”