To continue providing services that meet or exceed user expectations, an ITV system is likely to undergo at least one major upgrade during any five year period. On an ITV system that requires sophisticated set top boxes in each room, upgrading computer hardware is prohibitively expensive. With Allin s dynamic resource allocation architecture and centrally located Interactive Session Processors, major hardware or operating system upgrades are relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, upgrading Allin s ITV System does not involve the expense and intrusion of sending a computer technician or any service personnel to every end user location on the network. All hardware upgrades can be done at the broadcast center, significantly reducing service costs.
Software upgrades benefit from the same leverage as hardware upgrades.
With Allin s architecture, fewer PCs have to be upgraded and tested, and fewer software licenses have to be purchased. A basic principal of ITV is the need to update content quickly and easily. These upgrades can range from navigational screens and voice-overs to new MPEG content. Allin s centralized structure allows rapid information updates across one of the fastest internal LAN structures available. Since this internal LAN is contained within the broadcast center, it does not affect overall system performance.