Cambridge Consultants Limited buys into new-media and takes a stake in AudioTrack

Digital watermarking taken to new levels by partnership

Cambridge Consultants Ltd (CCL®) has announced that it is to invest in digital watermarking technology by entering into a partnership with US company AudioTrack Watermark Solutions Corp.

CCL is working with AudioTrack to develop innovative, leading edge, digital-watermarking technologies that can be used to prevent unauthorised copying of audio content, whether a file that's available on the Internet or the sound track of a film. In return, a deal has been agreed that will give CCL equity in AudioTrack with board-level representation.

Analysts predict that by 2003 that total online music sales alone will have grown to $2.6 billion. The opportunities for electronic watermarking technology are considerable.

"We chose to work with, and invest in, AudioTrack because we are confident that it will become the leading provider of watermark solutions to the entertainment industry," said Steve Barlow, leader of CCL's Embedded Digital Systems Group.

AudioTrack's CEO Stuart Rosove said, "Since working with CCL, our watermarking technology has achieved unprecedented levels of robustness. This deal will ensure that AudioTrack can capture market lead today, and expand it in the future".

AudioTrack Adaptive Watermark, the partnership's first product, is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2000. It is so called because it adapts perfectly to the watermark's host audio as well as the chosen playback application and environment, while offering previously unknown levels of robustness and security to suppliers of audio content.

Speaking about the deal, CCL's CEO, Howard Biddle, said, "We're pleased to have the opportunity to build a relationship with AudioTrack in this way. CCL is internationally renowned for building profitable partnerships with its clients. We're now developing new business models that will make it easier for companies, such as AudioTrack, to take advantage of the great range of services that we offer."

Notes for editors:

Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For over 50 years, the company has been helping its clients turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether they are launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies. With a team of over 300 engineers, designers, scientists and consultants, in offices in Cambridge (UK) and Boston (USA), Cambridge Consultants offers solutions across a diverse range of industries including medical technology, industrial and consumer products, transport, energy, cleantech and wireless communications.

Created by three Cambridge graduates in 1960, the company has grown into a leading technology business, renowned worldwide for its ability to solve technical problems and provide innovative, practical solutions to commercial issues. In 2009, the company was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, and in 2011 was awarded a second Queen's Award, this time for Innovation. For more information visit: www.CambridgeConsultants.com

Cambridge Consultants is part of Altran, global leader in innovation and high-tech engineering consulting. Altran supports companies in the creation and development of their new products and services. For thirty years, the Group has been providing services to key players in the fields of Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Railways, Finance, Healthcare, and Telecoms. Present at every stage of project development from new-technology strategic planning through to manufacturing, Altran is able to capitalise on its expertise in four key domains: Product Lifecycle Management, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering & Embedded Systems and IT Systems. With a global network of 17,000 collaborators (including 15,000 consultants) and 500 major clients throughout the world, the Group reported sales of €1,420m in 2011. More info: www.altran.com

For further information:

Cambridge Consultants

Patrick Pordage
Marketing Communications Director
Tel: +44 1223 420024
Patrick.Pordage@CambridgeConsultants.com