Accenture acquires Dublin-based S3 Group’s TV tech business

Consulting group Accenture is to acquire S3 TV Technology, a business unit of Dublin-headquartered Silicon Software Systems (S3) for an undisclosed sum.

Details of the deal were announced late on Tuesday.

S3 Technology is comprised of all the TV technology resources and assets of S3 Group and delivers consultancy, automated testing, service monitoring and diagnostic solutions to video service providers globally. S3 Group has more than 100 customers across 28 countries including Sky, Time Warner Cable, BT and UPC Cablecom.

Accenture said it intends to integrate S3 Technology’s StormTest platform into its digital video services software and solutions, which is part of the company’s communications, media and technology group.

"We are excited to join Accenture, taking advantage of the company's capabilities, technology, and experience in this industry to enable video service providers to build dynamic, interactive relationships with their customers," said S3TV Technology's managing director Philip Brennan.

Accenture said the combined portfolio will help video service providers create and evolve high quality products that can access linear content through the broadband (IP) and broadcast networks and non-linear services such as catch-up TV and video on demand (VOD) through broadband networks.

"In the volatile new media and entertainment ecosystem, one thing is unchanged - consumers will keep demanding more from their screens of choice," said Francesco Venturini, managing director and Accenture digital video services lead.

“S3 TV Technology’s test automation solution, live event monitoring, video technology consulting capabilities, and systems integration experience combined with the rich capabilities of Accenture digital video services and video solution software, will create an end-to-end platform that will help video service providers use cutting-edge technology to stay competitive by delivering more innovative features to customers,” he added.

S3 Group was founded in 1986 in Ireland. It has created multiple businesses in the TV technology, wireless, communications infrastructure, healthcare and semiconductor sectors.

“I believe that Accenture will provide an excellent new home for our TV Technology business and its people, and I wish them continued success into the future” said John O’Brien, S3 Group chief executive.