Organisations set to capitalise on opportunities in the media-telecom value chain 

IBC, the world’s most influential media, entertainment & technology show, and TM Forum, the industry association driving digital business transformation, have announced the launch of five new Catalyst projects for 2019. 

As confirmed at the Digital Transformation World event earlier this year, the two organisations are collaborating to extend the scope of TM Forum’s Catalyst Program specifically to the media-telecoms ecosystem. This will involve connecting with IBC’s expertise, heritage and media relationships across the broadcasting, entertainment and technology industries, which continue to converge. 

Today’s announcement further builds on this, with organisations across the media-telecoms value chain now able to submit applications for five new Catalyst projects to solve the challenges posed by the increasing convergence between the media and telecommunications industries. Catalysts are proof-of-concept projects developed collaboratively, bringing together companies large and small to drive technical innovation and create solutions to common challenges. 

These five new Catalyst projects will see broadcasters, operators, software vendors and other suppliers across the telecoms and media industries work together through the collaboration with IBC in order to quickly capitalise on new opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital world. Each Catalyst team will build a working proof-of-concept solution to a specific industry challenge and the successful projects will be showcased at IBC2019 and Digital Transformation World 2019. 

Examples of where these collaborations could focus include areas such as using 5G powered drones for enhancing the viewing experience during live sporting events; utilising blockchain to support the media supply chain in ways such as royalty tracking and collection; tackling piracy and the unlawful use of unlicensed streaming boxes; and developing an open API to securely and anonymously monitor advertising performance in digital media. The brand new Telco and Media Innovation Forum at IBC2018 (13-18 September) will see leading players in the media-telecoms ecosystem come together and kick-start discussions on proof-of-concept projects such as these. 

“IBC is pleased to be able to help facilitate the convergence that we are seeing throughout the industry,” said Michael Crimp, CEO, IBC. “With our unique position within the media community, and now our collaboration with the TM Forum, we are now fully equipped to facilitate long-term solutions to the most vexing problems facing the telecoms and media industries today.” 

“Media is an increasingly important sector for our global membership as the boundaries between telecoms and media continue to blur,” said Nik Willetts, CEO, TM Forum. “The digital age is changing the landscape for creation, distribution and consumption of media, and we believe that through industry collaboration we can drive a new wave of innovation and growth. We’re delighted to collaborate with IBC, and to extend the Catalyst model to explore the convergence of telecoms and broadcasting.” 

The development of the Catalyst program with IBC is part of TM Forum’s commitment to extend its Catalyst model to vertical markets undergoing digital transformation where the communications industry can play a vital part. 

Benefits of joining a Catalyst project include: 

Multiplication of resources to accelerate R&D 

Catalysts serve as extensions to R&D departments, where resources are pooled by participating organisations. With an R&D cycle considerably faster than most in-house initiatives, innovation is achieved faster, and at lower cost due to the sharing of resources and effort. TM Forum manages each of these projects ensuring structured programs are in place, adhered to by all participants. 

Creativity from a multi-company team 

Working with some of the brightest minds from outside their own organisation helps companies get fresh perspectives into their project. 

Testing Platform 

Participants learn how the solution works with others in the industry in a hands-on environment. Suppliers receive real requirements and valuable feedback from the Catalyst ‘Champions’ and industry peers. 

‘Trust’ - a safe place to innovate 

Participants can explore new concepts without needing to expend time and energy to form commercial relationships - TM Forum takes care of contracts. 

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