Ericsson eyeing mobile and analytics technologies firms

Keeping in mind, Boston's strengths in mobile and analytics technologies Ericsson is planning to expand its presence in the area. The first move in this direction can be seen with the acquisition of Azuki Systems, a video software maker.

As per news reports, Ericsson is planning more such acquisitions in the future.

Through the acquisition, Ericsson will accelerate the availability of new and compelling viewing experiences across a variety of devices and screens.

In addition, Ericsson will gain additional key functionality related to the deployment of TV Anywhere services, including adaptive bit rate and content protection technologies. In addition, the acquisition brings a team of highly skilled software engineers from Azuki Systems.

Azuki Systems will extend Ericsson's leading TV and media portfolio which includes the recent addition of Mediaroom from Microsoft. Through the acquisition, Ericsson will accelerate the availability of new and compelling viewing experiences across a variety of devices and screens. In addition, Ericsson will gain additional key functionality related to the deployment of TV Anywhere services, including adaptive bit rate and content protection technologies. In addition, the acquisition brings a team of highly skilled software engineers from Azuki Systems.

"There was contention for (Azuki) from Cisco and Alcatel. If they'd paid more money, we'd have had to take those deals,"Azuki chairman Chris Lynch said . "But (Ericsson) is the company best able to execute on the technology and build the business...With the acquisition last year of Microsoft Mediaroom and now Azuki, this gives them a three to five year lead in the telco market to deliver mobile video services."

"Azuki Systems further positions Ericsson to help customers deliver on the Networked Society's global demand for customized and personalized media experiences that include content on any screen, any time across any network," said Per Borgklint, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Support Solutions at Ericsson.