SALTAIRE, England, September 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

New hardware-agnostic unified software platform allows operators to remotely manage multiple gateway types and devices

Pace plc today announced the launch of its Helium Unified Gateway Software for broadband network providers. Helium enables operators to manage their services through any gateway or next generation smartbox system, regardless of vendor, and provides advanced home networking services to the consumer in a simple, operator-defined environment.

Helium, a new addition to Pace's Elements platform, is hardware-agnostic software that allows operators to install, connect and manage multiple hardware types from a range of vendors. The software provides advanced home networking capabilities via gateways or smartboxes, allowing subscribers to connect a range of electronic equipment into the home network - from printers and digital photo frames to set-top boxes and laptop computers - without needing to replace their in-home devices.

Mark Loughran, Regional Pace President, said: "In recent years we've witnessed a platform effect take place as consumer devices become the foundations for delivery of a vast range of apps and capabilities from a host of different sources. This explosion has already happened across PCs, set-top boxes, mobile phones and tablets, and we're now seeing it across gateways and smartbox devices. Helium enables this shift, establishing a consistent environment that empowers operators to innovate, support subscribers from within the home or business network, and harness the latest applications and cloud content for new digital home services."

"By providing a common platform, able to connect and manage disparate devices and services, Helium delivers a fast and cost effective way for operators to develop new revenue sources and put themselves at the centre of the connected home."

Helium Unified Gateway Software features a central control system, enabling operators to update and manage subscribers' home networks remotely. Operators can install Helium onto gateways in the field, and upgrade software and firmware remotely, easing the introduction of modifications and additional services for subscribers. This simplifies hardware and service rollouts, and lowers the costs of deploying and maintaining residential or business gateway systems.

Helium includes an SDK, giving operators the tools to independently develop and launch in-house applications and new revenue-generating services. At the same time, the platform's core functionality is maintained and continually enhanced by Pace, so that operators can concentrate on adapting their service to best serve their subscribers' needs. This allows service providers to move quickly to continually evolve and differentiate their offerings in the connected home or business.

Helium is the latest addition to Pace's expanding product and service portfolio, which enables operators to evolve digital services at the speed they want, how they want.  This portfolio includes a wide range of pioneering set-top boxes and gateways, sophisticated software, highly specialised customer care call centres, business consulting and product delivery services.  These products and services are designed to support telco, cable and satellite operators in different global markets, regardless of their technology needs or market stage.  

Pace will be demonstrating its full portfolio of products and services, including Helium, on stand H4 at Broadband World Forum at CNIT, La Défense, Paris, from 27-29^th September.  Operators visiting the Pace stand will see how they can utilise the Elements platform in tandem with other products from the Pace portfolio to create a pre-integrated next generation IPTV/OTT Solution. By working with Pace, operators can eliminate complex systems integration problems, and reduce the costs and time to market associated with delivering new, enhanced user experiences to their customers.

About Pace

Pace (LSE: PIC) creates technologies, software, hardware and services for the broadcast and broadband industries.  Pace solutions empower cable, telco and satellite operators to simply and cost-effectively innovate at the speed they want, in the way they want for their subscribers.  Pace has built up its experience and expertise over 25 years and this is recognised by a customer base of over 160 operators around the globe.

Headquartered in the UK, Pace operates in markets across the world, and employs around 2300 people in locations that also include the USA, France, India and China.  For more information on Pace, please visit http://www.pace.com.

For further information, contact:
Paul Crouch
Chameleon PR
Paul.crouch@chameleonpr.com
+44(0)207-680-5500

SOURCE Pace plc