Multi-screen & TV consultancy

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Core Services

  • I can help you create an extraordinary vision.
  • I can help you develop an innovative strategy.
  • I can help you create a comprehensive product definition.
  • I can help you offer compelling content.
  • I can help you select the best vendors.
  • I can help you create a profitable business case.
  • I can help you create great user interfaces.
  • I can help you communicate efficiently with vendors.
  • I can help you with a smooth integration process.
  • I can help you with thorough testing.
  • I can help you launch an excellent product.
  • I can help you!

A short story…

Example: Quickline TV, Switzerland

The best way to understand my services is to describe my recent activities as an external consultant while working for a cable and telecommunications operator.
This client migrated from a limited legacy IPTV product to a very advanced multi-network/multi-device IPTV platform.

Originally I was asked to give a second opinion about the results of a selection procedure for different vendors. This should have taken only a few months, working remotely most of the time.

My contract was extended several times, as my tasks were adapted to the state of the project, using more and more of my product management (and technical) skills and knowledge. I ended up staying at the customer’s premises most of the time, travelling abroad every week for a few years

First tour: consulting on a multi-screen IPTV selection procedure

My first tour had a seemingly simple objective: give a neutral opinion about the outcome of a selection procedure (RfP/RfQ) using a method I had developed in former projects.

The client was quite pleased with my approach, so they decided to replace their own process with the one I proposed. Because of my previous experience and relevant skills as (IP)TV product manager, I was asked to be part of the decision team, so my first tour was extended.

More than 60 vendors were invited to participate, divided into these topics:

  • System integrator
  • Set-top-box (home gateway and client) and remote control
  • User interface and design
  • Recommendation engine
  • EPG
  • Middleware
  • Transcoding
  • CDN

Except for transcoding and CDN I was part of the decision team for all topics. The result of this process was an in-time decision of all vendors based on clear criteria.

Second tour: UI & product definition – analysis & design phase support

After a successful selection of vendors, I was asked to support the analysis and design phase, in order to define and specify the product, ultimately resulting in testable requirements.

Several teams were set up in order to tackle all challenges on different levels. I became part of the product management team, to help conceive and define the product. Ultimately this resulted in a product definition, a UI specification, various architecture documents – and of course a project plan.

During this so called “mobilization phase” we translated the existing vision and strategy into an advanced multi-screen IPTV product that completely superseded the legacy product and would be far ahead of the competition.

The outcome of this phase defined a product that runs on multiple platforms (web, mobile, tablet and of course set-top-boxes) on several networks (FTTH, HFC and OTT). It provides classic TV and VoD services, as well as advanced services like EPG, nPVR, TSTV, RestartTV, personalisation, various recommendation modes, Cloud and DLNA access, TV apps/widgets and innovative multi-device features like push-pull and companion mode.

Last but not least we created a state-of-the art UI that takes the product to a next level in terms of design.

Other tours: product management – integration & clarification support

During the mobilization phase the client recognized the need for more skilled and experienced resources on various levels, so I was asked to extend my contract leading to further tours throughout the integration and testing phase.

I was part of the core IPTV product management, performing classical product management tasks on the one hand, while translating requirements, clarifications and other challenges to technical vendors on the other. Furthermore, I was involved in UI optimizations when design finally met technical realities – for set-top-box, mobile, tablet and web applications.

Being integral part of the team I replaced the IPTV product manager for several months during his absence. Also I represented project management and FUT management when necessary.

Epilogue: I am not an engineer!

As many inquiries of head-hunters and potential employers offer me positions as an engineer or system architect, I need to state this clearly: I am neither!

I understand technology well enough to talk to engineers at various levels. I communicate on management, as well as working level. I am involved in UI and graphic design. I talk with controlling and process experts. But I am a product owner/manager that understands you and your customers just as well as your vendors.

I am aware of the cliché, but my focus is on customers, products, content and user interfaces. My goal is getting the best products done in time and in budget with the resources available.