Qatar Telecom (Qtel), part of the Qtel Group, has selected US-based Mariner's multiple award-winning IP video service oriented monitoring solution, Mariner xVu.

The latest version of Mariner xVu is specifically designed for integration with IPTV probes. Qtel will use Mariner xVu for the Mozaic TV service, making this the first Mariner xVu deployment in the Middle East.

Alfalak Electronic Equipment & Supplies, a leading provider of technology-based end-to-end solutions in the Middle East, partnered with Mariner to deploy xVu.

Through easy integration with network probes — at the head-end and/or individual network element — Mariner xVu offers Qtel additional insights into the IPTV network by extending video service monitoring reach to each subscriber, allowing the operator to maintain the highest possible video quality while simultaneously reducing operating expenses.

Statistics collected by external data sources such as probes are compiled and configured as status indicators on Mariner NetworkVu to enable a deeper understanding of IPTV traffic and customer experience issues.

The probe enhancement is now a configurable option of NetworkVu, rather than a custom development, and was created based on service provider requests for integration with external data sources.

Mozaic TV operates under the tagline of "Where Entertainment Lives." The service is Qtel's most popular and innovative TV service, with more than 60,000 customers tuning in to 200 TV channels of sport, news, children's entertainment, movies, action, and lifestyle.

Mozaic TV is the only service in Qatar that aggregates all satellite packages and channels on one platform. Basic packages start at QR250 ($68.60) per month, and include landline telephone, broadband Internet, and TV.

"With this product enhancement, we can integrate with a new external data source and maximize NetworkVu's ability to make quality assurance more cost-efficient and much less developmentally intensive," said Curtis Howe, president and CEO of Mariner.

"Probe integration is about creating greater value for the customer and bringing service-oriented monitoring to the edge network and the home." – TradeArabia News Service