Cisco acquires Video CMS Company

Cisco has announced that it will acquire ExtendMedia, a privately-held provider of video content management systems that allow users to manage and monetize the way IP video moves across different platforms, including desktops, televisions and mobile devices. 

The deal is the latest in a series of video-centric acquisitions by Cisco, which plans to offer its capabilities to service providers. The company expects the deal to be completed in the first half of its fiscal 2011, which began on Aug. 1.

According to Cisco, the majority of the ExtendMedia team will join Cisco's Service Provider Video Technology Group, while ExtendMedia's sales and professional services teams will become part of Cisco's Sales and Advanced Services organizations. ExtendMedia's CMS software itself will be integrated into Cisco IP video offerings. 

"As the video market transitions and consumers expect multi-screen engagement, service providers are enhancing their infrastructure to manage and deliver video to any device while providing a rich user experience," said Enrique Rodriguez, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco's Service Provider Video Technology Group, in a statement.  

Cisco has acquired more than 80 companies since 2000 alone, and some of its most significant -- including Flip maker Pure Digital, and also Tandberg, which it completed in April -- have been directly related to video.