Amdocs Splashes Out $120 Million for Actix

Amdocs has put up $120 million in cash to acquire Actix, a privately-held provider of customer care software that specializes in mobile networks and services.

Amdocs said it the deal will help it expands its CES (Customer Experience Systems) portfolio for service providers. Further, Amdocs said it aims to combine Actix’s with geo-located network data with customer data, resulting in a more “holistic view” of the customer across all networks, including Long Term Evolution and small cell networks, and across business and operational support systems.

Actix, founded in 1991, has deployed its platform to more than 350 mobile service providers, and shares several top tier customers with Amdocs, including Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility. Amdocs’ major customers in North America include Comcast, AT&T, Verizon Communications, DirecTV, Cablevision Systems and Sprint Nextel.

Although Actix focuses on mobile apps, its software will provide customer care enhancements to the cable-facing functions of CES 9, Amdocs’ new OSS/BSS product suite, a spokeswoman said. Cable operators, including Comcast and Cablevision, have begun to emphasize wireless broadband connectivity via their deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots. Comcast, meanwhile, offers a cable/mobile services bundle via its partnership with Verizon Wireless.

The boards of both Amdocs and Actix have approved the deal, and expect to close it by the end of September.