Ad-planning systems vendor Invision signed a deal with Turner Broadcasting System giving it exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the Turner-developed Crossroad traffic system.
Under the terms of the deal, Invision has the exclusive right to sell Crossroad as a traffic system on a standalone basis; will get access to the Crossroad source code; and will have the right to modify, customize and integrate the Crossroad software. Invision plans to integrate Crossroad with its DealMaker ad sales system with a general release targeted for sometime in 2011.
Turner uses Crossroad to support all of its domestic TV operations, including TBS, TNT, CNN and Cartoon Network. The software, based on Microsoft's .NET architecture for Web services, uses a scheduling engine to place commercials in multiple networks and feeds.
"When we compared all of the existing traffic systems, Turner's platform was unquestionably the best," Invision CEO Lynda Clarizio said in a statement. "At a time when consolidation is limiting customers' choices, we are excited to bring to market an end-to-end solution that will transform the technology landscape of the media industry."
New York-based Invision has more than 50 customers including Azteca America, BET, Bloomberg, Comcast, Disney ABC Syndication, Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, TV Guide Network, Univision, Warner Bros., WGN America and The Weather Channel.
