(31 August 2005 1:30 pm)

MUMBAI: Incentra Solutions, the Colorado-based provider of storage management and data protection solutions to broadcasters, has been selected by the Kerala-based broadcaster Amrita TV to deploy a digital video archive. The company's Front Porch Digital Broadcast and Media Division will be handling the project.

This is the maiden Indian venture by Front Porch. The deal was done in consultation with the Mumbai-headquartered system integration solutions provider Shaf Broadcast, which is Amrita TV's system contractor.

DIVArchive (Distributed Intelligent Versatile Archive) is a software middleware that enables interoperability between large digital media storage devices, video servers, editing systems, and digital media workflow applications in the broadcast, media, and entertainment industries. DIVArchive simplifies the process of preserving, managing, and accessing content. According to a March 2005 report by industry analyst Datamonitor, DIVArchive is the global leader in broadcast archive management software, as well as the dominant brand within Europe.

"The reputation of Front Porch as the global leader in archive management is well known in the India broadcast market," said P.R. Suresh at Shaf Broadcast. "The professional service the company provided during our competitive evaluations proved to us that its reputation is well-earned. Amrita Television was similarly impressed, and we both look forward to a successful implementation with Front Porch."

Amrita Television is a wholly owned division of Amrita Enterprises Private Limited. The five month-old channel currently broadcasts a seven- day-a- week, 24-hour schedule featuring a varied lineup including tele-films, serials, dance and music shows, talk shows on present-day issues, kids programs, and movies. Amrita TV also broadcasts across the Middle East, South-East Asia, Europe, Australia, Canada, and the United States, states an official release.

Shaf Broadcast offers project management, system design, software configuration, equipment sourcing, prefabrication and system installation worldwide. As prime contractor for Amrita Television, Shaf Broadcast conducted a workflow analysis, designed the system, and helped Amrita select Front Porch Digital amongst other partners, the release adds.

"Amrita Television is a critical win for Front Porch Digital, as it is our first reference in India, which is now emerging as a new market for digital archives," said Rino Petricola, managing director and vice president, Front Porch Digital International. "Working with strong and well-positioned partners like Shaf, we hope to build a much stronger presence throughout the country. We will work hard to ensure that Amrita achieves a successful launch and becomes another enthusiastic reference account for Front Porch."