BigBand Networks will acquire the IP Cable Business Unit of ADC Telecommunications, including its Cuda and FastFlow product lines, for an undisclosed sum. ADC will become a minority interest holder in BigBand Networks as part of the agreement. The acquisition does not include the Homeworx cable telephony system that had also been a part of the business unit. BigBand Networks will continue sales and full service for Cuda and FastFlow customers, including operation of technology and business activities in Westborough, Massachusetts, as well as other associated U.S. and international facilities.
ADC’s Cuda CMTS (cable modem termination system) is a widely deployed and carrier-class platform for switching and routing of advanced IP services, and the FastFlow Broadband Provisioning Manager is a server suite that activates and configures such services.
BigBand Networks supplies a Broadband Multimedia-Service Router that digital broadcast grooming for control of SDTV and HDTV programming. The platform provides rate shaping to maintain video quality at maximum bandwidth efficiency; standards-based splicing of local advertising and programming with precise geographic targeting; Gigabit Ethernet transport of high quality video including enhanced service reliability from redundant facilities; dense edge modulation of VOD and broadcast programming; and switched broadcast to dynamically provision live programming in response to real-time subscriber demand,http://www.bigband.netIn April 2004, ADC began shipping a DOCSIS 2.0 CMTS module for its Cuda 12000 Next-Generation cable modem termination system (CMTS). ADC said there were more than 1,000 units of its Cuda CMTS platform deployed worldwide.
In June 2003, BigBand Networks, a start-up based in Redwood City, California raised $15 million in fourth round funding to support its broadband multimedia platform. BigBand’s platform, which has been shipping for six quarters, is used for switching/routing video feeds for digital broadcast television, HDTV, transport of high quality video, ad insertion, VOD and iTV. The company claims 20 broadband network operators as customers, including seven of the top ten North American cable operators. The new funding was led by Meritech Capital Partners. Prior investors also participated in the round, including AOL Time Warner Ventures, Charles River Ventures, Evergreen Investments, Pilot House Ventures and Redpoint Ventures. BigBand Networks has raised $75 million to date.
