Octoshape

Founded in 2003 by Michael Koehn Milland and Stephen Alstrup, Octoshape developed technology for delivering online video over public networks. The company focused on enabling content owners to stream high-quality video to large audiences, positioning itself as a key player in the over-the-top (OTT) and Internet Protocol television (IPTV) markets. Octoshape's business model revolved around providing cloud-based services that optimized video stream quality and reliability, serving clients in the broadcast, enterprise, and carrier sectors. The core of its offering was a patented stream acceleration platform that utilized a combination of video and network optimization technologies, including multicast and peer-to-peer (P2P) delivery methods, to ensure consistent viewing experiences.

The technology was designed to overcome internet congestion and latency, effectively replacing the need for traditional satellite or fiber solutions for video contribution feeds. Octoshape offered specific solutions like Infinite HD-M for large-scale live and on-demand video distribution, Infinite Uplink for high-quality stream contribution over the public internet, and Infinite Enterprise for secure video delivery within corporate networks. The company grew to over 40 employees and served a global client base, with a significant presence in Europe and Latin America. In April 2015, recognizing the value of Octoshape's video optimization technology, content delivery network giant Akamai Technologies acquired the company in an all-cash transaction. This acquisition was a strategic move for Akamai to enhance its video delivery capabilities, particularly for high-resolution content like 4K, and to integrate Octoshape's software into a wider range of devices and carrier networks.

Keywords: video streaming optimization, OTT content delivery, IPTV solutions, stream acceleration, content delivery network, video transport, multicast video, peer-to-peer delivery, broadband TV, cloud video services, online video platform, media delivery, broadcast solutions, enterprise video, Akamai acquisition, Michael Koehn Milland, Stephen Alstrup, live streaming technology, video on demand, network efficiency