The Spanish group Telefónica is looking to add video chatting to its services. Through its unit Telefónica Digital, the company acquired U.S.-based TokBox with the goal of driving innovation in its core communications business with capabilities that now extend beyond voice and messaging to live video.
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Telefónica Digital came out of the transformation of Telefónica’s organizational structure last year, a process designed to “reinforce the operator’s status as a global player and lead in the digital environment.” Telefónica Digital’s mission is to bolster the company’s place in the digital world and leverage growth opportunities from this environment, driving innovation, strengthening the company’s product and service portfolio, and maximizing the advantages of its large customer base.
TokBox’s OpenTok video platform enables the development of live video-based communication services through the addition of video calling into websites and mobile applications.
According to Telefónica, it will leverage TokBox’s platform to enhance the communication services it offers business and consumer customers, adding cross-platform Web-based video communications to its existing voice and messaging capabilities. Matthew Key, CEO of Telefónica Digital, said that the carrier is empowering its customers through new and innovative digital services.
Ian Small, who will remain as CEO of TokBox, admitted that despite all the progress to date the video platform industry is still in the early stages. Small said the purchase was a very exciting opportunity to accelerate the development of the OpenTok platform and rapidly expand its global reach and presence.
The acquisition was led by Telefónica Digital’s Silicon Valley-based venture investment team.
