Al Rayyan adds Versio
Published: MEA
QATAR: Doha-based broadcaster, Al Rayyan, has implemented an end-to-end integrated cloud playout system using Imagine Communications’ Versio software, running in a virtual machine environment on an HP compute and storage platform. The deployment was completed in 48 hours.
Currently a proof-of-concept installation, the system is shadowing the main Al Rayyan Europe channel, providing disaster recovery services to ensure business continuity in the event of a service disruption. The implementation also includes the Imagine Communications Magellan SDN Orchestrator software control system, deployed with Selenio video processing and compression equipment.
‘As a leading broadcaster, we need to innovate technically to ensure we best serve our audience,’ said Haitham Zaidan, acting director of engineering at Al Rayyan. ‘Our strategy is to move towards an all-IP infrastructure in due course, and this installation of a playout channel in a data centre is an important step along the way. Imagine Communications showed that they could do it today, and our proof-of-concept installation is now part of our architecture.’
‘We are leading the way in creating complete solutions for the IP transition, and implementing this first proof-of-concept in the MENA region is an important demonstration of our comprehensive abilities,’ said Paul Wallis, sales director for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Imagine Communications. ‘Playout in the cloud leads to real economies, not just by using virtualised systems on standard hardware, but in the reduced cost of machine rooms, power and cooling. We congratulate Al Rayyan on recognising the way forward, and we are proud to have worked with them on this huge advance.’