CHIASSO, Switzerland -- Allied Telesis, a global provider of secure IP/Ethernet next-generation access solutions and an industry leader in the deployment of IP Triple Play networks over copper and fibre access infrastructures, today announced a new collaborative agreement with IBM (NYSE: IBM), focusing on the development of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) systems targeting telecommunications companies and Network Service Providers worldwide.

Under the alliance agreement, IBM will provide business consulting, technical consulting, implementation services based on Cisco technology and flexible financing services from IBM Global Financing. IBM will create a new integrated system providing operators and carriers with end-to-end platforms that offer Broadband TV services, multi-channel High-Definition (HD) television, video-rich content on demand, online gaming and a plethora of interactive services. Allied Telesis will be IBM's preferred access network supplier for next-generation broadband access. IBM will also be Allied Telesis' preferred systems integration partner for IPTV sales activities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

An alliance partnership with IBM will establish a new and strong business entity with a long-term competitive advantage that capitalises on the strengths of both organisations: innovative multi-service access product offerings from Allied Telesis and world-class system integration from IBM. "This is a win-win situation for both organisations" said Maik Lankau, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and President of EMEA at Allied Telesis. "Network evolution to IP/Ethernet-based packet networks and next-generation broadband present unprecedented business opportunities for IBM and Allied Telesis in the Telecommunications industry. IBM and Allied Telesis have a shared vision of integrated solutions, technologies and products with clear focus on the intelligent multi-service infrastructure that enables full convergence" added Lankau.

"IPTV continues to grow rapidly worldwide as deployments are scaling in terms of the number of video subscribers, the range of services, and the level of access bandwidth provided. The importance of end-to-end solutions covering both service-layer and network-layer infrastructure is a top priority among service providers as they evolve their broadband networks to deliver a range of communications, information, and entertainment services to consumers" said Rick Thompson, Senior Analyst at Heavy Reading.

IBM Corp. (NYSE: IBM)

Allied Telesis Inc.