SOMERSET, N.J. -- Leapstone Systems, a leading supplier of service delivery and content management solutions for communications service providers, today announced that the latest release of its software enhances the ability of providers of internet-delivered television to rapidly drop in alternative programming in cases of regional blackouts, as required by owners of live content.

"Service providers must stay nimble with ever-changing business models and available content to offer on their storefront," commented Matt Milford, Leapstone's chief technical officer. "That's why we´re adding real-world enhancements to Internet protocol television (IPTV) solutions. We are pleased to build on our relationship with Microsoft to develop and deliver solutions based on the Microsoft Windows platform to the world´s largest service providers."

Release 8.0 of Leapstone's flagship Communications Convergence Engine (CCE) software provides a core function of a service delivery platform (SDP) that communications service providers use to broker services and manage content for any mix of converged services, including video, voice and web-enabled applications.

In particular, the newest version of the CCE suite incorporates a function that extends its attraction as a system for IPTV providers by enabling a set of advanced blackout functions for regional sports events, as required by content owners. With this feature, enabled by Leapstone's Microsoft Windows-based middleware, IPTV providers can selectively allow content suppliers to automatically schedule, monitor and manage events for regional blackouts.

"We are excited about our growing relationship with Leapstone and their commitment to our platform," said Greg Urguhart, general manager of Microsoft´s ISV business. "ISVs like Leapstone are essential in understanding and meeting the needs of emerging and rapidly changing markets like IPTV. Their deep industry experience, coupled with Microsoft's continuous platform innovation, creates an exciting, high-value opportunity for our customers."

Leapstone Systems Inc.