In a move to diversify its offerings, networking giant Cisco Systems Inc will acquire media software provider ExtendMedia for an undisclosed amount.

In a statement, Cisco has announced its "intent to acquire privately-held ExtendMedia", which would enable it to help service providers deliver multi-screen offerings as the market transitions to IP video.

ExtendMedia is a leading provider of software-based Content Management Systems (CMS) that allows media companies to send video to computers and mobile devices.

"ExtendMedia will strengthen Cisco's position in the delivery of IP video services by enabling service providers to provide a more interactive and personal experience and to optimise quality for consumer viewing devices," Cisco's Service Provider Video Technology Group senior VP & GM Enrique Rodriguez said.

ExtendMedia would bring to Cisco a strong software team that understands the complexities of delivering multi-screen video over IP networks.

ExtendMedia's CMS software, which will integrate with Cisco's current IP video offerings, would be a core component of Cisco's next-generation video architecture.

The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to be complete in the first half of Cisco's fiscal year 2011, the statement said.

Upon the close of the acquisition, the majority of the ExtendMedia team would be integrated into Cisco's Service Provider Video Technology Group.

While, the ExtendMedia Sales and Professional Services teams would integrate into the Cisco Sales and Advanced Services organisations.