General Catalyst Partners

Former IBM Global Services Executive Tim O'Brien to Lead New Division to Drive Broadband Video Monetization for Major Media Companies

Maven Networks today announced the launch of its Media Services Group, dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of strategic consulting and system integration services to major media companies as they quickly deploy broadband video channels. Maven's Media Services Group offers an extensive array of customizable professional and technical services as well as advanced business modeling tools that enable media companies to easily launch broadband video businesses.

Today, all major media companies and content providers are looking for ways to monetize media assets in new online distribution channels. Yet, many of these companies have realized that it is not as simple as replicating traditional media models in the online world. In most cases, new business models, multi-tiered distribution strategies, technology solutions, marketing initiatives, deployment plans and direct-to-consumer relationships must be developed.

"CSTV closely collaborated with Maven to help shape our online business and maintain our position as the leading online source for college sports broadband content," said Ed Talvy, Vice President of Product Management, College Sports Television (CSTV), a digital sports media subsidiary of CBS. "We look forward to working with Maven's Media Services Group within our client network to further develop our syndicated college sports programming solution and provide more impact and more choices for our consumers."

With its deep domain expertise in launching Internet TV channels and comprehensive support offerings, Maven's Media Services Group will work with media companies to design a tailored set of services for developing, launching, maintaining and measuring branded broadband channels. Along with its breakthrough Maven Media System technology, the Media Services Group will offer executive briefings, online business strategies, content audits, system integration, configuration and solution deployment, 24x7 extended support options, lab testing, in-depth training workshops, webinars and more. All of Maven's services are intended to help media companies maximize media consumption, drive viewer loyalty and generate significant new advertising revenue.

The Media Services Group, which includes Maven Professional Services, Network Operations and Customer Support, will be led by global media and digital industry executive Timothy O'Brien, who recently joined Maven as Vice President of Media Services. O'Brien, a former senior executive with the media & entertainment industry practice at IBM Global Services, brings more than 20 years of professional services experience to Maven. At IBM, he was responsible for more than $100 million annually in digital media services engagements with the world's largest media companies. Additionally, he was one of the principal designers of IBM's Digital Media Factory, a customer framework to address how multiple types of content can be managed and delivered across multiple digital networks to a wide range of devices. His background includes responsibility for creating innovative approaches for developing business and content models, and integrated solutions supporting the access, use, sale, rights and distribution of digital content.

"As the media world rapidly shifts its resources to online video distribution, Maven will play a critical role in the transformation of the television and motion picture industries," said Hilmi Ozguc, Founder and CEO of Maven. "Broadband video is evolving at such a breakneck pace that even the largest media companies need a long-term strategic partner with both the industry knowledge and the technology assets that will allow them to keep focus on their key competencies of creating content and selling advertising. Maven is the driver to building successful broadband video businesses."

About Maven Networks
Maven Networks transforms the way professional media companies deliver sophisticated broadband video services by making it fast and efficient to launch scalable, engaging and profitable Internet TV channels. Based on patent-pending technology, Maven Media System? is a comprehensive platform for creating, managing and delivering compelling broadband video channels that enable direct-to-consumer services and generate new revenue streams.

Maven Media System is used by industry-leading organizations around the globe such as CBS's College Sports Television, The Weather Channel, 20th Century Fox, A&E Television Networks International, Disney Buena Vista Pictures, Nike, and Sony Pictures.