Middleware for Digital TV: It's the intermediate software layer that allows the development of interactive applications for Digital TV, regardless of the hardware platform used by set-top box manufacturers.
Ginga: It’s the specification for the intermediary software layer standard (middleware) developed for the Brazilian Digital TV System by Puc-RJ and UFPB.
Interactivity Component: This is the term created by TOTVS to classify each and every application sent by the open Digital TV signal that allows the user to interact with the application using the receiver’s remote control.
>> Other Terms
São Paulo, November 29, 2007
TOTVS and Quality are creating a joint venture called TQTVD (TOTVS/Quality for Digital TV) in order to supply interactivity middleware for Brazilian digital TV.
TQTVD combines TOTVS' ability to develop technology and systems with Quality's extensive knowledge of software development for consumer electronics. TQTVD will be responsible for developing and selling a professional middleware installation called Ginga. Middleware is na intermediating software that, in this case, permits the development of interactive applications for digital TV, e.g. accessing news, purchasing products, choosing which camera to watch a game of football through, etc.
TQTVD already has an important client - Gradiente. Under the terms of the associated agreement, Gradiente will use Ginga in all its interactivity products, whether set-top boxes or TV's with built-in digital tuners.
For Laercio Cosentino, TOTVS' CEO, the development of digital TV middleware complements the group's strategy, integrating its current solutions with the interactive digital TV market. "TQTVD's interactivity components allow TOTVS CRM and e-commerce software, distance learning platforms and mobile systems to be integrated with digital TV," says Cosentino. David Britto, Quality's CEO says, "Interactivity is something which will gradually revolutionize broadcast TV in Brazil through the digital inclusion of our country."
Total investments are estimated at up to R$ 8.0 million, R$ 5.6 million of which is from TOTVS and R$ 2.4 million which is from Quality. TQTVD hás formed a partnership with the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC/Rio), acquiring the part of Ginga developed by that institution.
The middleware developed for the Japanese-Brazilian standard, now called ISDB-Tb (International Service Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial Brazil) should be launched in the first half of 2008, at a price that is wholly compatible with the massification of interactivity in Brazil. The price will be R$ 5 to TQTVD for each equipment in the software license, plus royalties for products acquired from third parties under the Ginga norms, which are being negotiated.
TOTVS Group
TOTVS is the biggest Business Management software company in Latin America, and owns the Microsiga, Logocenter, RM Sistemas, TOTVS BMI and TOTVS Infra brands. The group is leader in the small and medium business sector in Brazil, with 50,1% market share and 22% in Lat Am. The first IT company in Lat Am to open capital, Totvs is listed on the Brazilian stock exchange market (Bovespa), has today around 15.700 clients.
Quality Software
Founded in 1989, Quality Software is an Information Technology company with a multidisciplinary approach. Its focus on emerging technologies, such as Mobile Computing, Java and Digital TV, in addition to the use of work processes and methodologies with CMMI-2 and ISO 9001 certification, qualifies the company in an international context of software, quality testing and usability software. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Quality also has an office in São Paulo.
Gradiente
Gradiente was founded in 1964 and today is one of the biggest and most respected electronic goods manufacturer in Brazil. The company is listed in the Brazilian stock exchange market (Bovespa) and has significant market share in the audio, video, and telecommunications segments, combining diversification, innovation, excellence and last generation technology. It boasts a variety of products and services which are identified by the Brazilian consumer for its quality and pioneering. Gradiente continually looks for new opportunities to increase brand awareness, and hence the company has a number of global market leader partners.
PR Agency - TOTVS
Máquina Comunicação Corporativa Integrada (11) 3147-7900 (general)
Josy Alves – josy@maquina.inf.br – (11) 3147-7412
Ivone Portes – ivone.portes@maquina.inf.br – (11) 3147-7464
Suzana Inhesta – suzana@maquina.inf.br – (11) 3147-7447
PR Agency - Quality
Andrea Britto – andrea.britto@quality.com.br
Phone: (21) 3147-8600
PR Agency - Gradiente
A4 Comunicação
Juliana Monteiro - julianamonteiro@a4com.com.br – (11) 3897-4122
Vanessa Caccianiga - vanessacaccianiga@a4com.com.br - (11) 3897-4122