In 2001, while overseeing marketing and communications for a boutique brokerage specializing in junk bonds, I joined hands with a technology vendor to introduce a live video/webcam platform that broadcasted the firm's trading desk to clients of the firm. We thought it took the phrase "transparency in trading markets" to a completely new level--as it provided live video streaming so that customers could see and hear the action.
We were ahead of our time, and even if the rest of Wall Street remained reticent when it came to transparency, video conferencing and streaming applications, (the majority of which were actually developed by technology gurus from within the adult entertainment sector), has, over the past 8 years, evolved to the point where the catch phrase "telepresence" is perhaps the fastest growing telecommunications application.
Video conferencing platforms introduced 7-8 years ago and affordable only to those with $700,000 or more to spend, have evolved; plug and play desktop applications that deliver interactive, TV quality video and audio are the hottest thing since rye bread--as evidenced not only by Cisco's recently announced initiative to "mash" recently acquired video streaming technology with its WebEx product as a means of providing a full suite of next-gen 'telepresence' apps (by combining presentation, interactive voice and video, etc)--but this trend is hotter than fire when looking at the growing number of smaller technology companies that are delivering plug n play and highly affordable (think $399 a month) platforms that can transform the way in which corporate communication and HR execs, marketers, pundits, telecommunicating talking heads, and Bob The Bloggers communicate with their respective captive audiences.
Cisco's system, which is down from $700k+ and now comes in at about $300,000(including furniture for your own corporate broadcast 'studio') is well out of reach for most pocketbooks, especially the mass audience that wants to broadcast from their corporate or home office. The latter group has, for the past few years, been lukewarm, but receptive to using the nascent market for 'walk-in' videoconferencing "studios" that provide turnkey internet and interactive video broadcasting services at a cost of about $1000/hr.
But for those that have watched their retirement accounts with AIG stock implode, and have pared their business budgets to the bone, if you don't have the time/energy to research platforms that are truly affordable, amazingly robust in terms of broadcast quality, feature rich (interactive, multiple windows, a pay-per-view and billing module, the ability to insert advertiser messages, can be operated by monkeys, and can pay for themselves in one single broadcast--we tripped over a solution.
No coincidence that its been developed by the same technology vendor that made the first stride in enhancing the transparency of the firm I worked for 8 years ago.
The provider is Montreal-based LCN Technologies--and having worked with this outfit for years and watching from afar as they've introduced true technology innovation, this is the first place that I'd recommend for anyone that is considering getting on board the new media train that 'gets it' when it comes to ways that can bring you, your content, and your message to your captive audience.
The fact that this platform includes a billing module--allowing broadcasters to charge on a pay-per-view basis is particularly compelling to a wide range of professions and practices..If you don't want to charge your audience for viewing (or downloading archived programs), that's fine--the module includes the ability to insert sponsor and advertiser displays around the frame of the screen, or in marquee scrolling format...
Now you can effectively operate your own "iTV" platform for a few hundred bucks a month..the only hardware you need is a videocam..good ones cost less than a hundred bucks, really good ones cost no more than $300-$400..Want to transform your blogging platform? Bored with static WebEx features?..Want real interactivity with your audience? Now, you too can be just like the talking heads on CNBC, Fox, but better-because these new apps are interactive--think video telephone with a 19 in screen and no latency--or you can simply introduce a corporate communication network that can save tens of thousands of dollars every month when considering your cost of travel, including off-sites that don't really require every being in the same room, etc.
Aside from LCN, we tripped over Telanetix--they've positioned their $30,000 "video conferencing" platform to be a competitor to the Cisco-type $300k platforms--but again, we think that LCN's "turnkey" offering (vs their month to month lease), which provides a one-time license to their system is winning solution, and according to the vendor, you can have the life-time license for as little as $7000. For $300/mo (give or take), they'll host, stream, administer viewer registrations, billing modules, archive and maintain a swath of viewer metrics, and provide 24/7 technical support.. Don't be afraid if you see my face and hear my voice appearing on your desktop!!
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