TAG Networks, the premier provider of TV games-on-demand, and Transparent Technologies, Inc. (TTi), a leading provider of operational support services, have announced an agreement today whereby TTi will provide operational support services for TAG’s deployments. The services will include 7×24 technical support and system monitoring, system integration, deployment and lab environment testing.
As TAG nears deployment with multiple operators, the need for an experienced and cost-effective deployment and technical support team is critical to its success. The decision to outsource these services rather than building a team internally was based on three factors: experience, costs and flexibility. TTi brings a veteran team and business model that fits TAG’s needs extremely well.
“TTi has a unique business model that really fits our needs,” says Cliff Mercer, TAG’s CTO and VP of Engineering. “First, it has a team with unequalled experience in the headend, especially with Video-on-Demand applications. Second, its business model is designed to be flexible so we can craft a plan to fit our needs. When you combine these two factors, we signed a first-class integration and support arm for TAG at a significantly lower cost compared to staffing the functions internally.”
TTi is well-suited to service up and coming companies whose operational needs include system integration and technical support for their products within the cable and telecom spaces. “Not all companies excel at operations, but this is TTi’s core competency. Providing system integration, deployment and technical support for our partners is where we perform our best,” says TTi CEO Steve Blackmon. “Also, digital video is our passion, so the opportunity to work with innovators in this space like TAG makes what we do challenging and fun.”
TTi will begin supporting TAG with system integration and lab testing within TTi’s own Motorola and Scientific-Atlanta environments. Additionally, TTi will assist TAG with the installation and system integration of their systems into beta site environments for TAG’s customers. Once true field deployments begin, TTi will phase in its system integration team for deployments and its 7×24 Network Operations Center will provide Tier1 through Tier3 support.
About TAG Networks
Founded in May 2003, TAG Networks is launching a games-on-demand TV network called “TAG” that brings high-quality casual games to broad television audiences. TAG seamlessly integrates into existing VOD infrastructures, creating the nation’s first massively deployable games channel for cable and IPTV. Its programming lineup features blockbuster brands and classic favorites in a multitude of genres-puzzle, cards, word, trivia, action, sports, and kids games-that appeal to everyone. TAG also supports rich community features and multi-device interaction. TAG Networks’ revolutionary delivery model provides incredible scalability and ease of functionality. More importantly, with video game revenues far exceeding Hollywood’s box office, TAG Networks enables cable and IPTV operators to capitalize on the revenue from America’s 60 million gaming households. For more information, visit www.playtag.com.
About TTi
Founded in 1999, Transparent Technologies, Inc. (www.ttius.com) provides operational support services to the cable and telecom industries. These services include system integration, deployment, testing in their lab environment, inventory management, network services and software development. TTi’s current customers include The Weather Channel, TV Guide, Motorola, Scientific-Atlanta/Cisco and Tandberg Television. TTi supports its solutions with its 24×7 Network Operations Center.