Kordia has announced a partnership with Arqiva to introduce a suite of cloud-based media and content delivery solutions in New Zealand.
The agreement between Kordia and Arqiva marks the first time Arqiva’s cloud technology for media and broadcast logistics will be available to New Zealand media companies. The partnership spans five years and is intended to give local content providers greater access to digital infrastructure that may aid their transition to more flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient operations.
New offerings
The first solutions set to launch in the New Zealand market under this partnership include Arqplex (Headend-as-a-Service), Arqade (cloud content transportation and management), Playout, and Streaming Optimisation. Each solution aims to address distinct operational and financial pressures faced by broadcasters and media organisations, particularly as audiences increasingly shift to digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
Arqplex is pitched as a unified approach to Headend-as-a-Service, supporting the seamless delivery of content across both traditional broadcast and IP-based platforms. It can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or as a hybrid solution. Arqade, meanwhile, provides a cloud-based global ecosystem for content management and syndication, allowing New Zealand companies to access a broad array of international content and connect with global distributors.
Playout is designed to support both linear and on-demand programming, offering a modular setup that charges broadcasters according to actual usage and enabling them to quickly adapt their operations as audience demands shift. Streaming Optimisation uses artificial intelligence and a centrally orchestrated peer-to-peer network with the aim of reducing content distribution costs and internet congestion, especially relevant during heavy streaming events such as major sporting broadcasts.
Strategic context
Neil Livingston, Chief Executive Officer at Kordia, stated that the partnership is integral to Kordia’s approach to supporting local broadcasters during an era of significant change.
“Legacy broadcasters are facing many challenges, balancing cost pressures with shifting consumer habits and rapid technology changes. The need to maintain legacy broadcast infrastructure, while investing in digital platforms, has created major financial strain for players both in New Zealand and globally,” said Livingston.
He added, “At Kordia, we’re committed to helping New Zealand media companies solve these challenges and unlock better cost efficiencies when it comes to cloud-based distribution. We’ve been looking at how global players are innovating around these challenges, and we see real opportunities to bring these solutions to New Zealand to help our own industry.”
The solutions are designed not only to simplify the technical workflows associated with contemporary broadcasting, but also to reduce the amount of direct infrastructure investment media companies must undertake as their cloud-based operations scale.
Cloud transition
Alaina Hall, Director of Global Media at Arqiva, described Kordia as a fitting partner to extend Arqiva’s cloud solutions to New Zealand’s media landscape.
“Kordia has more than 60 years of experience as a trusted provider of broadcast infrastructure and technology services. It is deeply invested in delivering innovative solutions for media clients,” said Hall.
She continued, “By combining Kordia’s local expertise with Arqiva’s international leadership in cloud-based broadcasting, this partnership will deliver better cost efficiencies, service quality, security and value to New Zealand broadcasters and content providers looking to get the most out of their digital content distribution.”
Arqiva’s Streaming Optimisation tool, one of the four services released initially, is highlighted for its potential to lower costs associated with peak-period content delivery and improve customer retention by reducing viewer disruptions. Arqiva points to case studies indicating cost savings of up to 70% by reducing reliance on traditional content delivery networks.
Kordia and Arqiva’s partnership is set to provide content providers and broadcast operators in New Zealand with access to a wider range of cloud-enabled services aimed at driving operational efficiency and supporting the delivery of streaming and broadcast content to audiences across platforms.