THE CLIENT – SIMPLESTREAM

Fully managed online simulcasts of tv and radio broadcasts. Our multi-platform Live Streaming solution includes programme blackouts, choice of Digital Rights Management, on screen EPG, video adserving, optional integrated paywall and real-time analytics. Simplestream currently streams over 80 channels for more than 15 broadcasters from its London based Media Hub, including channels from Channel 4, BSKYB, Turner Broadcasting, VIACOM and A&E Networks. Our unique CatchupTV offering allows for the automated generation of cross-platform, multi-bitrate video on demand files from a live televison broadcast, with an industry leading turnaround of less than 5 minutes. Eliminate the complexity and capital cost of launching a catchup service; CatchupTV by Simplestream is a fully managed cloud-based service that includes powerful features such as frame accurate video editing, comprehensive rights management and automated advertising removal.

THE CHALLENGE

CENTRALISING DATACENTRE OPERATIONS TO COPE WITH EXPANDING CUSTOMER BASE

As a leading name in the broadcast and streaming media sectors providing live streaming, cloud based catch-up TV and media management services; Simplestream has been responsible for live streaming some of the largest sporting events this year to customers over multiple devices, including the World Cup and the RBS Six Nations.

Simplestream’s proprietary media framework ’Media Manager’ offers broadcasters the opportunity to simulcast their content across multiple devices, digital rights management, on screen EPG, real time analytics as well as offering a cost effective, scalable and functional rich OTT platform for media companies of all sizes.

Developing tailored solutions for broadcasters globally from the company’s London based headquarters, Simplestream required a superior datacentre with best in class satellite facilities within proximity to central London as it wanted to centralise its media hub operations. With a reputation for having exceptional secure robust and resilient colocation, network connectivity and satellite facilities, LDeX was approached by Simplestream to provide these services.

When choosing a datacentre provider, the company needed to be confident that the datacentre operator it chose would have no outages, with strong service level agreements in place around uptime in order to prevent service disruption. As well as this, it had to have a reliable power connection to its servers and racks and a robust infrastructure, making LDeX the ideal choice.

Situated on Staples Corner with a 5MVA capacity, the datacentre facility is in close proximity to Simplestream’s headquarters. To add to this, it is away from any flight paths or flood plains which is of crucial importance for business continuity purposes.

In the past year, Simplestream has also launched its own pay tv live streaming service called VUTV which is available for Freeview HD internet connected homes. As well as this, it has launched TVPlayer – a live TV streaming service which has been described as one of the most successful apps of 2014. LDeX providing a reliable and robust datacentre has been instrumental to its success.



THE SOLUTION

TIMELY EXECUTION ON THE DELIVERY OF A DEDICATED CAGE

Having viewed the site and met with the senior management team, ANS was particularly impressed by LDeX’s ability to execute on the delivery of a dedicated cage within a matter of days imperative to minimise time to market.


INHERITED TELEPORT FACILITY

Rob Garbutt and Paddy Doyle, owners of the LDeX Group, had inherited a teleport facility following the purchase of the facility giving instant access to fibre and satellite providers including Hotbird, EutelSat, SAS Astra, making connections instantaneous for ANS.

INDUSTRY ACCREDITATIONS

ANS was particularly impressed with the array of accreditations to the LDeX name, including ISO27001, ISO9001 and ISO50001, for information security management, quality management and energy performance, which are imperative for customer peace of mind. Key factors in choosing LDeX as a colocation provider –


ACCESS TO THE NORTH

The LDeX Group has a national network spanning London and Manchester, enabling ANS to connect its two data centre locations together over diverse fibre paths running both up the East and West of the UK, giving complete redundancy and peace of mind. Over the last two years, LDeX has built up a strong business relationship with ANS in delivering mission critical data centre facilities that provide robust support to its cloud and hosting customers. to offer scalable and agile capabilities and infrastructure support required for customer demands from the LDeX1 facility based in Staples Corner. Remote hands services and advice is available to ANS on a 24x7x365 basis, ensuring that critical systems are safe, secure and always available. This increases efficiencies and enables ANS’ customers to reach environmental-impact reduction targets where required.

BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP

ANS didn’t want to use a faceless corporation – the company sought a data centre provider who they could build a relationship with and get in touch with at any time with any requirements or queries that it might have. LDeX was the ideal choice for ANS, with the founders bringing significant engineering, technical and operational experience to the table and not to mention a deep understanding of datacentres and networks. The combined experience of LDeX’s Senior Management Team meant that the business had the knowledge and understanding to meet the needs of a demanding yet thriving tech industry, reassuring ANS that they would benefit from a high level of service along with product/services that were fit for purpose and technical staff available 24x7x365.





THE RESULTS





As a result of choosing LDeX as a data centre colocation and network services provider, ANS has experienced a number of key customer wins which have been dependent on ANS having a robust data centre facility outside of the centre of London. ANS believes that LDeX has been essential in allowing the organisation to build a robust Managed Service proposition. LDeX also provides ANS with a mission critical disaster recovery location for its northern based customers based in Manchester and a production location for its Southern based customers.