CRA Inc

20 Aug 03 @ 7:44 pm

Streaming Media

Streaming media? What’s that?

bq. Streaming media technology enables the real time or on demand distribution of audio, video, and multimedia on the Internet. Streaming media is the simultaneous transfer of digital media (video, voice, and data) so that it is received as a continuous real-time stream.” (from streamingmedia.com)

So, it’s a webcast.

As first blush, most see this as an expensive alternative to traditional mediums (and often times, more cumbersome). Streaming media, however, is becoming more affordable, more user-friendly, and easier to use with the expansion of IT infrastructures and the increase in electronic access at home and work. And since streaming media allows companies to reach employees, customers, investors, and the news media, there’s the potential to share the cost with other departments.

It seems that in the near future most companies–especially nationwide and global companies–will implement this technology. So, to help demystify the concept, we’ve found a few websites to help you become smarter on the subject…

* streamingmedia.com: The goal of this site is to help educate the rest of the world on streaming media and to provide original articles, breaking news, research reports, an industry directory, and case studies on the subject. Check out What is streaming? to find a more detailed description of what exactly streaming media is and some answers to commonly asked questions.

* Streaming Magazine: The self-proclaimed “only monthly publication exclusively covering the business issues relating to the streaming industry and the repercussions that streaming media technologies have for broadcasting and traditional business.” If you’re ready to work with a vendor on streaming media, check out What You Need To Know To Select The Right Service Provider. The site also features case studies about companies currently using streaming media. A couple of our favorites: ChevronTexaco Refines Streaming and Streaming Inside JPMorgan/Chase.

posted in category(s): Tools in Practice