Digital switchover holds reseller opportunities

The channel can help customers get ready for the closedown of analogue TV, says Colin Farquhar

Farquhar: IPTV opportunities come along with the digital switchover

Corporations, hospitals, hotels and schools are among those that may benefit from the digital switchover. Such customers may want to install or upgrade their internal TV and video systems.

Resellers can use their expertise in network design to deliver local or building-IPTV – digital TV and video delivered over customer’s existing IP networks. Customers can use such media to earn new revenue.

Live desktop TV feeds can keep organisations informed of opportunities and challenges. In education, access to satellite TV serves language departments and foreign students alike. In any industry, video on-demand can make sales, training and educational content more widely accessible.

By exploiting excess bandwidth on existing LANs, companies can get TV, video, phone and internet access from one connection. Terrestrial and satellite TV, video cameras, DVDs or Blu-ray content and digital signage can be streamed to TVs, audiovisual displays and PCs.

The channel can harness IPTV systems in bespoke services, such as the ability to order from personalised menus or view a dynamic feed of live information. These add-ons can supply resellers with ongoing service and support revenue.

Customers can upgrade screens and displays as their budget permits, while the reseller can establish itself as an expert business partner and enjoy a continuing revenue stream well beyond the initial sale. The ability to add TV and video to existing and future applications means resellers can add value and strengthen their customer relationships.

Colin Farquhar is chief executive officer at Exterity