Amazon Web Services (AWS) – an Amazon company – on 3 September 2015,
announced that Amazon has reached an agreement to acquire Elemental
Technologies, developers of software-defined video solutions for multiscreen
content delivery. The acquisition brings together Elemental’s video solutions with
the AWS Cloud platform to provide media and entertainment companies with a
range of integrated solutions to efficiently and economically scale video
infrastructures as the media industry increasingly moves to internet based delivery.
Elemental software makes it easy for media and entertainment companies to take
live and on-demand video destined for traditional networks like cable, satellite, or
over-the-air broadcast and re-format that content for distribution to PCs, smart
phones, tablets, and TVs. Elemental has more than 700 media franchise customers
and powers some of the world’s most popular over-the-top (OTT) TV applications,
like the BBC’s iPlayer, CNNGo, ESPN ScoreCenter, HBO GO, MSNBC Shift, as well as Sky Go and Sky Now. Additionally, Elemental is supporting the world’s first 4K Ultra HD services including those that were delivered by the BBC during the 2014 World Cup.
“Elemental shares Amazon’s passion for invention and putting the customer first,’
said Andy Jassy, senior vice president of Amazon Web Services. “Together, we’ll
collaborate on deeper technology integrations and new infrastructure offerings so
that media and entertainment companies can evolve their hybrid and cloud models
as they continue to innovate their services for viewers.’
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Elemental will continue to
operate its business under its existing brand, delivering the full range of solutions
for pay-TV operators, content programmers, broadcasters, governments and
enterprise customers. Elemental will also expand the integration of its offerings
with AWS, and through close collaboration with AWS, accelerate the innovation of
next-generation services that feature a range of solutions for customers leveraging
on-premises assets, hybrid architectures and cloud.
“The media and entertainment industry is at a unique inflection point, and as a part
of Amazon, we will be in an even stronger position to help our customers delight
their viewers globally,’ said Sam Blackman, co-founder and CEO of Elemental.
“We’re thrilled to have Amazon supporting our growth and ongoing commitment to
our customers’ success.’
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed and are subject to closing conditions.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2015.
