TV platform fragmentation has made unified authentication a nightmare for service providers and viewers. In this interview, Jeff Bak of Synacor explains the problem and how to solve it.
The fragmentation of TV platforms is causing endless problems for service providers and consumers. For example, each seems to handle authentication in its unique way. A service provider looking to deliver across all the popular platforms must customize the authentication code for its app for each. It is also confusing for users, who must follow different procedures depending on their device.
However, there are solutions out there that simplify the authentication burden on service providers and users. In this interview with Jeff Bak, Senior Vice President of Cloud ID Product & Engineering at Synacor, he explains the full dimensions of the problem and how Cloud ID works to simplify the process for service providers and users. But before we get to the interview:
If you haven’t checked out the ‘Trackers’ features on the nScreenMedia website, now is a great time to do it. I’ve just updated the Disney, Roku, and Vizio pages and reflect their latest quarterly reports. You’ll also find summaries of the US TV market and a list of the top AR and VR headsets. It’s the fastest way to get up to speed on the topics that matter in our industry. And if you’d like to sponsor the ‘Trackers’ features, email sales@nscreenmedia.com.
Now, on with the interview with Jeff Bak, Senior Vice President of Cloud ID Product & Engineering at Synacor.
Introduction to Synacor and Cloud ID (2:30)
Mr. Bak explains how Synacor has evolved from its cable roots. He says that the company is now focused on two businesses. The first is Cloud ID, a modern customer identity and access management service offering. The second is an open-source email system called Zimbra.
Cloud ID’s evolution beyond TV Everywhere (4:30)
Cloud ID has its roots in traditional cable as it built out the TV Everywhere effort ten to fifteen years ago. However, today it has expanded to encompass Internet TV services.
How Cloud ID simplifies authentication (8:30)
Cloud ID has done identity integrations with all the major TV platforms and apps. It can handle identity management and authentication for any app releasing on those platforms.
Cloud ID powers major US sports league authentication (12:30)
This week, Synacor announced that a major U.S. professional sports league will use Cloud ID™ identity and access management platform to streamline authentication and identity management across multiple streaming services. Mr. Bak explains the deal. He also explains how the solution has helped HBO scale to handle the huge authentication surges experienced before the first episode of a new season of Game of Thrones.
Scaling authentication to handle very popular events (16:00)
Mr. Bak explains how the cloud helps the solution scale. But, he says, it also requires detailed planning and proactive management.
Viewer benefits of Cloud ID (19:00)
Synacor will be launching PassKey authentication as a service, which customizes the authentication to make it particular to:
- Your device
- Your identity (thumbprint)
- The service you are accessing.
Mr. Bak explains why the approach makes logging in simpler and more secure.
