What does interactive-TV software and operational-system software have in
common? A lot, according to Liberate Technologies.
Liberate is buying Sigma Systems Group for $62 million, and it is using
Sigma's $20 million in existing cash to help finance the transaction.
Although Liberate has made some headway in international interactive-TV
software deployments, it's been largely stymied in the United States, as cable
operators focus on video-on-demand rollouts over interactive TV.
'This is a significant stage in the evolution of Liberate as a company, which
will dramatically increase our ability to help network operators drive revenue
per subscriber, enhance customer service and reduce operating costs,' Liberate
chairman and CEO Mitchell Kertzman said in a prepared statement.
Sigma's service-management portfolio enables operators to handle back-office
functions for advanced video, voice and data applications. Its MSO clients
include Comcast Corp., Cox Communications Inc., Shaw Cablesystems G.P. and
Rogers Cable Inc.
