RDK Mgmt Taps Heeb, S3 Group, itaas

RDK Management has started to solidify its leadership and structure, naming Comcast vp, licensing and strategic development Steve Heeb as pres/gm and tapping S3 Group and itaas for critical RDK support services.

 

Comcast and Time Warner Cable formed RDK Management last month to create a standalone entity to push a common RDK, giving operators a pre-integrated software bundle using a common framework to power set-top boxes and gateway devices. The idea is to accelerate deployment of next-gen video services for CE and set-top makers, software developers, system integrators and pay-TV providers.

 

“Faster innovation is the core driver behind the RDK,” said Comcast svp, business and industry affairs Mark Hess. “Bringing Steve in as president and general manager is the logical next step for us after forming the LLC… His ability to build relationships and consensus among a diverse group of OEMs, MVPDs, and other key vendors and supplier constituencies will serve the RDK community well.”

 

Meanwhile, S3 Group will oversee code management aimed at ensuring that contributions to the common code base are thoroughly vetted and tested before becoming part of RDK releases. It will also maintain the official code repository upon which the industry will rely. itaas, meanwhile, will oversee technical support and training for licensees through the company’s development, integration, testing infrastructure and multiple labs.

 

“S3 Group and itaas come to the RDK with strong backgrounds in key areas, including code management, release management, support and training,” said Heeb. “Our licensees will be able to rely on the crucial skills and resources S3 Group and itaas offer as they implement the RDK into their products and services.”