To kickstart your IPTV business, there are certain things which can be regarded as “Must Haves”. Of all the things that you need in this business, IPTV Panel or Middleware, Streams or Source, a decent Website which can be termed as Front store, Billing System, Android or iOS App for your end users are some of the most essential things you need. In this article we will focus on IPTV Panel or middleware.
So what basically is a Middleware?
“Middleware is a computer software that provides services to software applications beyond those available from the operating system. It can be described as “software glue”. Middleware makes it easier for software developers to implement communication and input/output, so they can focus on the specific purpose of their application.”
This definition tells it all, however, when it comes to IPTV business, it needs a little bit of explanation. In the context of IPTV, Middleware is the most fundamental component of an IPTV solution because It is impossible to build an IPTV service without Middleware. And why’s that? Since it is Middleware that defines the set of services available to subscribers, what will be the user interface, what will be the transmission logic and control algorithm.
Your middleware should have an intuitive dashboard with beautiful user interface and loads of functionality. It should also have a customer management system to manage the profiles of the customers. An inbuilt billing system is a must widely accepted payment gateways. Other important middleware features one can include are easy to use customer portal to allow them to see there subscriptions, load balancing system and a statistics and reports portal.
The type of Middleware depends on who is developing it, the CAS-systems it works with, the user interface, the supported video servers, the various billing systems, the API, the cost and the level of technical support among other factors. For example, MyWifi TV uses top Middleware solution provided by ipbroadcaster. It is important to ensure IPTV middleware correctly. You can get more information on how to setup OTT IPTV middleware from middleware solution providers
Why is it important to choose the Middleware wisely for your IPTV business?
The most important reason why one should think twice before selecting the middleware is because once an operator selects a middleware solution, switching to another solution becomes really difficult. Both complexity wise and cost wise. Also, it requires re-integration with the billing provider and with the CAS or the Conditional Access System connection. Moreover, it might involve changing the software and set top boxes, and that is an expensive affair. So why not take due diligence before making any decision. You can go through IPTV Broadcaster’s cloud based Middleware solution here.
IPTV MIDDLEWARE FEATURES
Your middleware web application should be able to deliver following things-
- Full Management of IPTV Infrastructure
- Real-Time Authentication and Billing
- Detailed Reporting and statistics for analyzing business performance, monitoring visitors and gauging content popularity.
- Streamlined Payment systems that can be integrated with other payment gateways..
- A content management system should be there i.e. an IPTV middleware software to add, customize, and serve media to customers.
- A load balancing system based on server performance.
- The dashboard should have intuitive user interface and loads of functionality.
- Many platforms like MyWifi TV uses IPTV middleware for delivering TV, Video On Demand and interactive services to customers in any IP-based network.
Middleware is one of the most important component of your IPTV business. Other components are Media servers, VOD, Multiplatform Player and coder. You can learn more about them here. Therefore choosing the right middleware solution from a reputed service provider is the key in this business.
