Without middleware that can handle a growing number of subscribers and a broad range of services, IPTV operators will be unable to sustain a stable, growing business in the long term, according to Steve Hawley, an analyst with Multimedia Research Group (MRG).

MRG, which recently published the 344-page “IPTV Middleware Ranking Report: Rapid Scaling of Subscribers & Services-June 2007,” finds that the continued growth of the global IPTV industry hinges upon the middleware that glues together the many working parts of the IPTV end-to-end system.

While a "fast channel change" is discussed, it is only one of many issues reviewed in the report. Based on actual deployed subscribers, Thomson, Cascade, Alcatel-Lucent (MiViewTV), UTStarcom and Nokia Siemens Networks (Myrio) ranked in the topfive globally, according to the report.

Microsoft Mediaroom (formerly known as IPTV Edition) ranked last out of 14 IPTV companies, indicating continued scaling problems with its middleware using Microsoft-required technologies, the report said.

For more information, visit: www.mrgco.com.