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Cox Communications has signed an agreement with Itaas, under which the interactive-services company will support ITV apps written for the MSO's cable systems nationwide.
As part of the istart Developer Program, Itaas will provide support services for application developers that are creating, launching and testing interactive applications based on the Enhanced Binary Interchange Format spec and use Macrovision's Aptiv Passport guide on both Motorola and Cisco set-top boxes.
In the future, Itaas plans to support applications based on the tru2way platform, running on Cox's next-generation interactive program guide. That IPG -- code-named Simple Consistent Intuitive Navigation -- is being developed by NDS and Cox has targeted a late-summer initial deployment for the guide.
With the addition of the Cox, the istart Developer Program offers programs that support eight video platforms: Time Warner Cable's MDN, ODN and MAS software; Cisco's SARA/PowerTV and OCAP Axiom; the BIAP platform; and Comcast's TVWorks enhanced TV platform.
"Itaas is able to quickly provide us with support for developers, which will help Cox deliver new services quickly," said Craig Smithpeters, Cox executive director for interactive services engineering.
"Supporting the Cox video services platform and tools under the istart umbrella is a natural extension of our program," Itaas COOJaspal Bhasin said. "Developers looking for a central source of ITV application expertise across multiple hardware and software platforms will find the Itaas programs and services to be a great fit."
Developers who join the istart program for the Cox video services platform will gain access to development tools, documentation, software upgrades and support. Itaas also provides consulting services to help companies with architecture, design, development and testing of new applications.
