Originally published in Mediakwest by Bernard Poiseuil

Alpha Networks, the Belgian leading provider of modular TV software and SaaS video platforms, is asserting itself as a leading end-to-end player in the sports streaming ecosystem. With a flexible and modular approach to product development, the company offers three powerful solutions—Tucano, Gecko, and Bee—that allow for efficient and scalable content management, monetization, and distribution.

 Alpha Networks stands out with a product-based model, as opposed to fully custom solutions. Unlike the latter, which are often rigid and complex.

The company’s three main products (Tucano, Gecko, and Bee) were designed to address a heterogeneous market.

The first is a content aggregation hub that simplifies the management of VOD, live streaming, catch-up, and podcasts. Tucano integrates AI-enriched metadata and advanced workflow automation, thereby improving content efficiency and visibility.

The second is a flexible OTT platform that guarantees a smooth, personalized viewing experience across all devices. Gecko supports different business models (SVOD, TVOD, AVOD, or hybrid) and enables optimized content monetization.

Finally, Bee is a turnkey packaged solution, ready to use without requiring complex integration, ideal for quick and simplified deployment.  

Editorial management, content administration, and analytics are part of the core modules, while others, such as recommendation and metadata enrichment, are optional and can be activated on demand.

For nearly a decade, beIN Media Group has relied on Alpha Networks and its partner Cognacq-Jay Image (CJI) for the development, maintenance, and support of its OTT platform dedicated to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. CJI provides the head-end and ensures stream security and 24/7 support, while the Belgian company supplies the backend, including editorial management.

Read the beIN Media Group use case here.

On this occasion, Tucano’s load-balancing demonstrated its ability to handle extreme spikes and enable highly dynamic scaling within minutes. The client repeatedly decided to offer free live content access, sometimes just tens of minutes before match start, illustrating Tucano’s rapid scaling capabilities.

Since 2023, Alpha Networks has partnered with Digital Virgo to support OTT growth in Africa, replacing previous platforms with Gecko for a more scalable and customizable solution. This collaboration highlights the platform’s adaptability across continents and customer needs.

Read more about the Alpha Networks X Digital Virgo partnership here.

While sports is a major vertical, Alpha Networks also delivers to telecom operators, broadcasters, and content producers worldwide. Clients such as Orange, Vodafone, Brisanet, and beIN Media Group benefit from tailored OTT platforms, dynamic monetization strategies, and personalized viewer experiences.

Beyond sports, telecom, media, and OTT platforms, Alpha Networks also targets lifestyle sectors and international content producers, providing solutions adapted to their video content distribution and monetization needs.

Alpha Networks’ end-to-end platform attracts national sports leagues, including France’s Ligue Nationale de Volley (LNV).

LNV’s OTT platform streams over 180 live and replay matches each season, offering comprehensive coverage and accessibility for domestic and international fans.

Facing poor user experience, unstable streaming, and limited monetization with prior solutions, LNV tested Bee before migrating to Gecko for improved scalability and sports features.

The platform integrates Bitmovin for live encoding and Live2VOD, and Akamai for optimized global delivery.

This robust, scalable solution allows LNV to broadcast internationally, simplify live event management, and increase monetization opportunities.

Read more about the LNV use case here.

As the partnership enters its third year, the platform continues evolving to boost fan engagement and enhance French volleyball’s international visibility. Following the launch of multi-live in 2024, updates will enable the new DeltaUX interface and automatic replays after live events.

Metadata enrichment is a key focus for Alpha Networks, using AI algorithms based on Large Language Models to automatically generate synopses, keywords, and precise video chaptering to improve content discoverability.

DeltaUX, Gecko’s new user interface, continues to evolve, adding customization options such as integrated “logo” images for films and series, enhancing immersion and visual appeal.

An entity-based approach enables broadcasters to create ultra-targeted experiences like “team corners” dedicated to fans. The technology unifies live events, VOD, and enriched data (logos, descriptions, standings, rosters) to provide intuitive navigation and better promotion of relevant content.

Combined with an intelligent recommendation engine based on user interactions and agile editorial management featuring dynamic pages and refined marketing segments, this transforms platforms’ ability to offer customized content and teams based on user preferences.

Alpha Networks prioritizes delivering a smooth, personalized user experience. DeltaUX and TV Apps are gaining traction, with analytics tools now offering advanced data export and automated reports.

In sports, personalization is further enhanced through metadata proxy models, allowing fans to follow their favorite clubs, players, or competitions. Upcoming editorial tools will include AI-generated automated playlists.

AI also supports highlight extraction, trend analysis, image generation from data, and real-time updates for Electronic Program Guides. These AI technologies automate and optimize content management and enhance live streaming efficiency and user interaction across sectors.

Alpha Networks continues to demonstrate its ability to deliver agile, scalable, and future-ready OTT solutions across a wide range of markets. By combining modular products, advanced AI capabilities, and a deep understanding of customer needs, the company supports clients in deploying high-performance video platforms that are ready to evolve with industry demands. These advances continue to fuel Alpha Networks’ international ambitions. Already present in France, Morocco, Spain, and Brazil, the Belgian company is setting course for new markets, particularly the United States and Asia.

With new innovations on the horizon and growing international reach, Alpha Networks reaffirms its role as a trusted partner for content distribution and monetization worldwide.

With a future-oriented product strategy, proven scalability, and continued investment in AI-driven innovation, Alpha Networks is well-positioned to support clients worldwide in building flexible, high-performance video platforms tailored to evolving audience expectations.