IBM acquires Ustream to create cloud video practice


Details

Michelle Clancy

| 22 January 2016




IBM has acquired Ustream, a provider of cloud-based live video streaming services to broadcasters.



Ustream claims around 80 million viewers per month for customers such as NASA, Samsung, Facebook, Nike and the Discovery Channel.

The company is headquartered in San Francisco, with a development office in Budapest, Hungary, and data centres in San Jose, Amsterdam, and Tokyo.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it has been revealed that Ustream will join the newly-formed IBM Cloud Video Services unit that combines assets from IBM's R&D labs and strategic acquisitions, including Aspera and Cleversafe. IBM will deliver a portfolio of video services that spans open API development, digital and visual analytics, simplified management and consistent delivery across global industries.

“Video has become a first-class data type in business that requires accelerated performance and powerful analytics that allows clients to extract meaningful insights,” said Robert LeBlanc, SVP, IBM Cloud. “Aligning our expansive video and cloud innovations into an integrated unit will create opportunities for clients to take advantage of this medium in the most strategic way possible."