H2O New Media, the social media company based in Dubai, has signed a partnership with US-based Ooyala, a top provider of video platform applications, towards selling the latter’s video platform Backlot and delivery solutions in Mena.

The partnership comes on the heels of Abu Dhabi media group’s announcement of its intention to start streaming online content and the growing demand from Middle Eastern television and media companies to more effectively deliver and monetise their video assets.

“We spent three months evaluating top leaders in the digital streaming space and Ooyala proved to be the strongest platform that best suited the needs of our customers which represent major media, publishing and content producers,” said Steve Vaile, CEO of H2O New Media.

“Ooyala’s video solution will give Mena-based publishers access to the most robust video platform on the market.  With this partnership, H2O and Ooyala will provide publishers with the advanced tools they require to stream high quality content and generate revenue,” he added.

As the prominent social media innovator in Dubai, H2O is focused on providing solutions for online video initiatives integrated into its community applications.  H2O has recently seen a large increase in online video demand, and the partnership with Ooyala is a direct response to those requests.

“H20 New Media is the region’s leading social media consultancy,” said Jay Fulcher, CEO of Ooyala.

“The Middle East is a significant market with some of the fastest growing Internet penetration in the world.  This partnership opens up another new market for Ooyala and continues our global expansion,” Fulcher added. – TradeArabia News Service