Intel, Cisco Invest in Exent Games on Demand

Exent Technologies, an Israel-based games on demand provider, has announced that electronics giants Intel and Cisco Systems have invested undisclosed sums in the company in order to further Exent's technology for digital distribution and video game services. Exent's technology allows for a number of revenue streams, including ad-based games, subscription models, downloadable purchases, digital rentals, and try-before-you-buy setups. The company already powers games-on-demand services for major providers including Comcast, Turner (GameTap), Verizon, Yahoo and RCN, streaming games directly onto home computers. The funding from Intel will go at least in part toward optimizing the company's content for Intel's upcoming Viiv chipsets, which focus on the ability to play PC content on televisions. "Intel and Cisco bring us strong strategic value and solidify our path of expansion beyond broadband value-added services into holistic PC and video gaming entertainment services for media companies," said Exent CEO Zvi Levgoren. "In cooperation with all our strategic investors, we are proud to facilitate the evolution of user experiences from the PC into mainstream living room entertainment, through Intel Viiv technology-based PCs, set-top boxes and other CE devices." "Exent is an exciting Digital Home investment for us," said Intel Capital investment manager Joel Fisch. "Exent’s technology makes secure digital distribution of games a reality alongside distribution of music and video and is an example of how a cross-platform approach and innovative business model can enable successful content services."