Internet Solutions, a subsidiary of\u00a0Dimension Data, has bought a “significant stake”\u00a0in local streaming media service provider, Antfarm,\u00a0for an undisclosed sum.<\/p>\n
According to Greg Montjoie, executive Connectivity and Carrier at IS, video content will be the key driver of the Internet economy over the next few years. \u201cStreaming media services, particularly video content, are growing at double digit growth rates, both in the consumer and business space.\u201d<\/p>\n
IS notes that there will be nearly two billion Internet video users globally, excluding mobile-only, by 2017, up from one billion Internet video users in 2012, citing data compiled by Cisco.<\/p>\n
Of this, video will account for 58% of all business-related Internet traffic in 2017, up from 31% in 2012, according to Cisco.<\/p>\n
Business Internet video traffic is also set for a 5.3-fold increase from 2012 to 2017, with content delivery networks set to carry over half of total Internet traffic by 2017.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith this kind of exponential growth forecast a strategic acquisition of this nature was necessary to gain a significant advantage in the local industry,\u201d Montjoie said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition, given the direction and speed at which the market is moving both companies felt that we could achieve more through an acquisition than merely maintaining the status quo in our established working relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Antfarm’s brand, operations, structure, management and staff will remain unchanged following the acquisition, and the company will continue to serve its current customers from their Pretoria head office.<\/p>\n
Internet Solutions launches new SME division<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n