Broadband TV Software Platform

A strategic alliance between Silicon Valley's EnReach Technology and Taiwan's Allwell Technology may let ISPs offer interactive television and video on demand over standard ISP connections.

by Wayne Kawamoto [January 10, 2001]

EnReach Technology, a company that offers infrastructure software that enables integrated voice, video, and data services on television, announced a strategic alliance with Taiwan's Allwell Technology, an Internet appliance technology provider and set-top box specialist, to deliver a turnkey broadband streaming and Interactive TV solution. (AllWell's US subsidiary is called GCT-Allwell.)

As part of the agreement, Allwell has licensed the EnReachTV4 client software which includes Internet communications, such as Web browsing and e-mail. Allwell plans to add EnReach's TV and streaming features that enable subscribers to view movies and music on demand.

EnReach says that its EnReachTV4 software combines broadband streaming and interactive TV capabilities that are integrated in an open-software environment. The company reports that its client platform and server platform enable service providers with cable, DSL, fiber optics, and wireless infrastructure to seamlessly deploy integrated multimedia services over television. "With our proven open platform, EnReach offers compelling products for service providers who want flexible and profitable solutions for delivering enhanced television services," said Bo Wu, president and CEO of EnReach. "Through EnReach-enabled broadband streaming and interactive TV services, ISP providers can realize more subscribers and recurring revenue captured by new services offerings like interactive television and video on demand over standard ISP connections."

"EnReach has the capability to provide an embedded Linux-based platform, TV Internet browser, Video On Demand (VOD) application, streaming application such as the MP3 player, and a consumer friendly interface—all of which make television a powerful interactive appliance solution," said John Tseng, president of Allwell. "EnReach's software infrastructure coupled with Allwell's set-top technology presents a viable alternative for broadband service providers seeking a stake in the interactive TV space."

Pricing and availability
The solution will be available by the end of Q1, 2001. Pricing was not available at press time.

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