KIT digital, a Dubai-based provider of IP-based video management technologies, and Akamai Technologies, a US provider of managed services for powering rich media, dynamic transactions and enterprise applications online, have signed a strategic agreement to jointly focus on the delivery of IP video across multiple platforms, including online, mobile networks and IPTV set-top boxes.

The two companies plan to engage in collaborative sales and marketing efforts on a global basis, with KIT digital to package and resell Akamai solutions with its KIT VX Video Management Platform, while Akamai will collaborate with KIT digital to jointly market the KIT VX Video Management Platform to key Akamai customers.   The two companies have a long-standing vendor relationship, and the new agreement is intended to facilitate a more strategic offering of their respective products and services, providing end customers with improved quality and a more cost-effective joint solution.

"We continually seek partnerships with leading software companies that share Akamai's commitment to providing the best rich media experiences available through Internet Protocol," said Greg Lazar, Vice President and General Manager of International Sales for Akamai.  "We have found KIT digital to be an invaluable partner to Akamai for global enterprises with complex video management needs. We look forward to leveraging KIT digital's leadership in the IPTV set-top box market, for example, to develop new client opportunities for Akamai."

Akamai claims that its globally distributed computing platform currently powers 15-20% of all Web traffic, optimising the transfer of information and increasing complex media performance.