Cisco has announced that Sky will extend its collaboration with Cisco for set-top-box middleware solutions, supporting Sky’s expansion of products and services to an even wider audience.

The companies have a long-standing relationship working together to change the face of video entertainment services, including, as announced in January, their collaboration on the http://www.onscreenasia.com/article/airbus-defence-and-space-and-cisco-seal-agreement/17566 AdSmart addressable TV advertising ecosystem for which Cisco contributed key components of its cloud video portfolio.

As part of their extended relationship, Sky will continue to utilize Cisco’s industry-leading security portfolio that includes the next-generation evolution of the Cisco VideoGuard conditional access (CAS) and digital rights management (DRM) solutions, to securely deliver content to its millions of subscribers.

Alun Webber, Managing Director, Product Design & Development, Sky, commented: “Our relationship with Cisco is critical to helping us realize our vision to accelerate time to market for the delivery of advanced entertainment services for our DTH subscribers that offer greater choice, convenience and control.”

Yvette Kanouff, senior vice president and general manager, Service Provider Video Software and Solutions, Cisco, added: “We celebrate many great accomplishments with our long time collaboration with Sky, together tackling the operational hurdles to drive their connected multiscreen initiatives, and move to a world of faster, better video anywhere.