Zixi and OKAST Unite to Revolutionize Global FAST Channel Delivery
Zixi and OKAST: Transforming Global FAST Channel Delivery
In a pivotal move for the media distribution landscape, Zixi, a leader in live broadcast-quality video over IP technology, has partnered with French media platform OKAST for a robust, scalable solution to deliver live channels across the globe. This partnership marks a significant step as Zixi enhances its Global Partner Program aimed at fostering collaborations and supporting media organizations in leveraging advanced live video workflows.
Through this collaboration, OKAST, which currently powers over 180 Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) and linear channels throughout Europe and Latin America, seeks to upgrade its delivery infrastructure to facilitate international growth while improving service quality. The integration of Zixi’s Software-Defined Video Platform (SDVP) and ZEN Master control system has drastically increased OKAST’s operational reliability, visibility, and cost-efficiency.
Cedric Monnier, CEO and Co-founder of OKAST, expressed the urgency for change, stating, “We were reaching the limits of what our previous setup could support. Zixi gives us control, visibility, and the ability to scale. It’s a foundational part of our infrastructure moving forward.” This sentiment encapsulates the core need for adaptability as the demand for premium streaming content continues to escalate.
The collaboration with Zixi also aligns with OKAST’s innovative initiatives under the ASAP4EU consortium, a project funded by the European Commission that focuses on advancing next-generation streaming and monetization workflows. Before the incorporation of Zixi’s technology, OKAST encountered significant hurdles, such as increased latency and blackouts, especially as their channel count expanded. The switch to Zixi enables seamless high-quality live streams distribution to partners, effortlessly connecting broadcasters across Europe and OTT platforms in Latin America, eliminating the need for a complete rework of their previous delivery model.
A noteworthy aspect of this partnership is the advantage provided by ZEN Master, which allows OKAST’s engineering team to have centralized real-time monitoring and orchestration across their full channel portfolio. This advanced platform replaces tedious manual tasks by automating alerting and diagnostics, significantly reducing the volume of support tickets.
Beyond technical advancements, OKAST has realized a tangible return on investment trusting Zixi’s solutions. The prior cloud-based setup posed escalating costs at scale, yet Zixi stands out, offering a performance boost alongside lowered operational expenses. Monnier highlighted their previous infrastructure’s limitations, stating, “Our previous stack worked for a handful of channels, but not for 100-plus. Zixi provides better reliability at a lower cost. It enables us to grow sustainably.”
As Zixi broadens its global ecosystem through the Zixi Enabled Network Partner Program, this cooperation provides partners like OKAST access to essential resources, marketing opportunities, and integrated support services. Jonathan Low, Vice President of Channel Sales and Partnerships at Zixi noted, “As the global demand for FAST and live content delivery scales, companies like OKAST need flexible, intelligent, and cost-efficient infrastructure to stay ahead. This partnership exemplifies how the Zixi platform can future-proof operations while accelerating innovation and global reach.”
OKAST aims to advance further into the Asia-Pacific and Latin American markets, viewing its relationship with Zixi as a vital strategic enabler for expansion. Monnier concluded, “We’re no longer limited by infrastructure. We can launch new channels faster, serve more geographies, and ensure a higher level of service for our partners. Zixi is the backbone of that growth.”
About Zixi
Zixi has a long-standing reputation for providing Emmy award-winning software solutions that deliver broadcast-quality live video over any IP network with unmatched reliability and cost efficiency. Assisting prestigious broadcasters and sports leagues for more than 15 years, Zixi empowers organizations in the fast-evolving media landscape, enhancing revenue, operational productivity, and audience reach through versatile live IP video workflows.
About OKAST
Founded in 2013 by a team of industry veterans, OKAST builds a cloud solution tailored for key media players, allowing them to deploy streaming and live audio/video platforms. OKAST supports over 600 OTT platforms and FAST channels globally, delivering comprehensive solutions from streaming architecture to monetization mechanisms.
About ASAP4EU
ASAP4EU stands for Advancing Streaming and Advertising Personalization for Europe, a consortium funded by the European Commission focused on developing tech solutions for next-gen streaming, personalization, and monetization in media.