UKTV launch brand websites with ReThought technology
Published Tuesday March 5th, 2013
Online delivery platform replacement pays off for major UK broadcaster
Summary
- UKTV re-launch websites for three properties, Watch, Alibi and Gold, following Eden launch in January 2013.
- Complete change of platform a bold move that paid off
- ReThought technology and know-how instrumental in delivering a scalable platform and infrastructure on time and on budget.
- All of UKTV web properties to transition by Q4 2013
Following the successful re-launch of Eden channel's website in January, UKTV has unveiled the new online presence for channels Watch, Alibi and Gold after a seven month effort to re-build and deploy their entire core web delivery platform utilising ReThought technology.
Having taken the bold decision to replace its web infrastructure, UKTV appointed ReThought its key technology partner to build the core content management platform, assemble the deployed infrastructure and implement the development and delivery processes and tools that allow for reliable and rapid build and deployment of new product features.
Being able to support greater traffic, different devices, and rapidly produce fresh and relevant tie-in content and applications will allow UKTV to pursue innovative social media, multi-screen and video on demand strategies.
Commenting on their relationship UKTV's Head of Digital Delivery, Oliver Davies, said
"Thanks to our close collaboration with ReThought we were able to re-design our development process, re-shape our team and build a powerful new platform with which we have launched these new sites on time and on budget. We now have the best tools to engage our audience in new and exciting ways and are thrilled by the ease and speed with which we can develop and deploy new features."
Head of Digital and Social Media, Steve Hornby, added
"Publishing fresh, new and inspiring content has never been easier for our producers. The content team are now freed up to work closer with UKTV's marketing and communications teams. We are looking forward to bringing ever more innovative and exciting features to our audience that enhance their broadcast experience."
Commenting on the launches ReThought CEO and founder, Matthew Pontefract, said
"Managing a co-development and rebuild of this scale with one of the UK's leading broadcasters was an exciting opportunity that has allowed us to showcase ReThought's unique proposition on a grand stage. Our focus on working so closely with our client, and adapting to changing needs, has ensured UKTV launched with exactly what was needed and right on time. We could not be happier with the result."
The remaining UKTV web properties, which include popular channel brands Dave and Good Food, will transition to the new platform in the coming months.
The sites have all been designed by the UKTV team to adapt to the screen dimensions of the device upon which they are displayed. This ensures that editors can produce content with two-screen viewing in mind. This is critical given research showing a majority of viewers (in excess of 80%) owning a smartphone or tablet will use this device whilst watching broadcast TV (http://bit.ly/YMoydN). Tapping into this channel requires a dedicated online strategy with carefully curated content that can be rapidly developed and delivered by a technology platform designed to support traffic profiles that differ from traditional web viewing. ReThought’s focus on robust process for agile development, automated systems management and close cooperation with all stakeholders across a business enables such a strategy.
For more information, please contact:
ReThought press office, [email protected]
Matthew Pontefract, +44 7906 359 023
@ReThoughtLtd
Channel websites
- Eden: http://eden.uktv.co.uk
- Watch: http://watch.uktv.co.uk
- Alibi: http://alibi.uktv.co.uk
- Gold: http://gold.uktv.co.uk
Notes to Editors
About ReThought Ltd (www.rethought-solutions.com)
ReThought is a London technology consultancy specialising in providing full outsourced technology partnerships, from CTO-level advice, team and process management, to platform and infrastructure development. With a background spanning, amongst others, investment banking, media, visual effects and e-commerce, ReThought brings extensive real-world experience of building business solutions to satisfy a client's needs with imagination, flair and informed opinion.
ReThought work with a number of clients in media and digital marketing and provide advisory services to technology companies and their investors as well as development capacity and team management.
ReThought was founded by CEO Matthew Pontefract.
About UKTV (www.uktv.co.uk)
UKTV is a major industry player and one of the most important and successful multichannel providers in the UK. Formed in 1997, it is an independent commercial joint venture between BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, and Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. Attracting over 41 million viewers each month, the network consists of 10 distinctive channel brands – Watch, Gold, Dave, Alibi, Yesterday, Blighty, Eden, Home, Really and Good Food – offering a broad range of quality programming across entertainment, lifestyle and factual.
UKTV currently operates 25 broadcast streams when its eight multiplexes and five HD channels are taken into account, and 11 highly successful websites. The network also runs video on demand (VOD) services on Sky, BT Vision and is part of TalkTalk on YouView. Plus UKTV recently launched its own ‘On Demand’ services with Dave On Demand, Yesterday On Demand and Really On Demand.
UKTV’s successful programming strategy combines high profile original commissions and key acquisitions with quality content from the BBC.
All UKTV channels are distributed on Sky and Virgin Media. Dave, Really and Yesterday are also available on Freeview.
