BlackArrow, the independent provider of multiplatform ad-management
systems for viewer-controlled video, has released a Connector (software
development kit) that integrates its ad-management system with Akamai’s
Media Framework, a valuable resource for the rapid development of video
player applications. This integration allows broadband video providers
to ad-enable video content distributed using Akamai’s
Media Framework. BlackArrow is also participating in the Open Video
Player initiative, a community site intended to facilitate the
development and sharing of open standards and best practices for video
player applications that support a wide range of advertising
technologies.
By integrating Akamai’s Media Framework with
BlackArrow, premium content owners and publishers can adopt turnkey
video player solutions to better maximize the return from their digital
video content. This reduces the complexity of developing ad-supported
video players, speeds deployments and stimulates new advertising revenue
opportunities.
“It’s critical that
we make it easier to integrate and deploy advertising solutions, given
the escalating demand to monetize video content. BlackArrow’s
support for the Akamai Media Framework and participation in the Open
Video Player initiative addresses this demand,”
said Tim Napoleon, chief strategist for digital media, Akamai. “Together,
we can enable content providers to more easily develop and deliver
ad-supported broadband video content.”
BlackArrow’s multiplatform ad-management
system enables video content providers and distributors to optimize and
enhance their ad-supported video programming and ad-sales opportunities.
Using the BlackArrow system, they can now offer their advertisers new ad
types, sponsorship packages and campaigns that combine ad units in
unique ways to boost brand and product awareness —
generating added value for content providers and advertisers alike.
“The BlackArrow and Akamai systems work
together to provide an optimal platform from which to monetize premium
content, and reflects BlackArrow’s support
for open standards,” said Chris Hock, senior
vice president, product management, BlackArrow. “We’ve
built an extensive network of broadband ecosystem partners, and our
integration with Akamai furthers our goals of reducing the complexity of
integrating multiple systems, while ensuring seamless deployments of the
BlackArrow ad-management system.”
Built from the ground up for video, the BlackArrow system helps content
providers and distributors solve the challenges created by today’s
fragmented audiences who increasingly view video programming distributed
over broadband, video on demand and other platforms outside of linear
television.
The BlackArrow system dynamically contracts, targets, traffics and
reports on advertising inventory to maximize revenues from ad-supported
video programming. Because the BlackArrow system works across any
combination of ad types, ad-sales models, distribution or syndication
strategies, BlackArrow’s clients can more
effectively generate new revenue streams from ad-supported video, while
preserving critical relationships with their advertisers.
The BlackArrow Connector for the Open Video Player Initiative is
available now, at www.openvideoplayer.com,
in the Connectors tab within the Download folder.
About BlackArrow, Inc.
BlackArrow is the independent provider of multiplatform ad management
for viewer-controlled video. The company’s
ad-management system is designed specifically for video content
distributed over any on-demand platform —
enabling content providers and distributors to maximize advertising
revenues, and improving advertisers’ ability
to reach target audiences. BlackArrow is led by an experienced team of
executives from the advertising, television and digital media
industries, and is backed by Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), Comcast
Interactive Capital, Intel Capital (NASDAQ: INTC), Mayfield Fund and
Polaris Venture Partners. The company is privately held, with offices in
New York City and San Mateo, Calif. http://www.blackarrow.tv
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