In an era when content is typically a few clicks away and consumers' thirst for media grows, network providers are increasingly looking to expand their next generation communications with multimedia services. While the popularity of social networking offers SMBS and large companies a host of revenue opportunities, end users are starting to explore the multi-screen concept to capitalize on some of the benefits.
One such company that can help fulfill end users' hunger for "always on," anytime and anywhere services is Alcatel-Lucent. The Paris-based company, which focuses on fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, developed a multi-screen experience that helps the movement of content and services across a multitude of devices.
Today, multimedia services are often characterized by companies' ability to grab end users' attention for lengthy periods of time. According to a recent Alcatel-Lucent white paper, video, for example, has the longest shelf life. And network providers can monetize that form of media by extending it from TV to mobile, PCs through mobile triple play offerings, remote access to user-generated content in home networks, and building upon existing video services to add value and other personalized information.
As people adopt modern day devices like PCs, notebooks, netbooks, and smart phones for greater convenience, traditional TV is no longer a viable means to reach consumers. But a multi-screen foundation lets network providers extend their content beyond TV to the very devices people use everyday.
What are some of the advantages of multi-screen capabilities? First off, they help network providers differentiate their products. For instance, providers can offer TV shows or other video content on a mobile phone or personal video recorder.
Beyond the obvious goal of increasing revenue, providers can also boost the competitive stance in the marketplace and attract new subscribers. Moreover, network providers can build stronger relationships and increase loyalty among existing subscribers. What's more, the convenience of accessing media through multiple devices stimulates end user consumption, which means more transactions and revenue for providers.
By working with Alcatel-Lucent, network providers can learn how a common set of enablers - such as Multi-screen head-end, Federated identity, Converged payment and Multi-screen messaging and communication - can help create one-of-kind multi-screen end user services.
To learn more about Alcatel-Lucent's foundation to deliver and monetize multimedia services across multiple screens, listen to a video interview with Basil Alwan, "Strategies for Monetizing IPTV."
