Item: IBM Video Streaming
Rating: 9
Author: David Wood

Implementation Rating

Implementing IBM Cloud Video is a breeze. It works right every time. We typically embed it into our site, getting the code, dropping it in and being live takes a matter of minutes. The consistent channel URL is so superior to several other live video platforms that are in use today. Implementing this is something our entire tech team is able to handle, so we don't have to stress over having the right technical staff at a specific location.

Usability

Ustream has worked spectacularly for us the last 5 years. We had used many different services and have been asked by partners to try other services, but for the end user, viewing the stream, we have found nothing more reliable and simple to use than IBM Cloud Video. It has reduced tech support for viewers to an almost non-existent amount.

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Our entire organization takes advantage of the streaming and scalability of Ustream to broadcast on the internet videos of events. We do a variety of streams from just a few individuals up to sessions reaching several thousand people at once. It becomes a tool for us, to allow information to be shared, without the need for travel. It is reliable and we have found it to be simple for the end user viewers to become engaged.

Pros and Cons

Scalability - I don't ever have to worry if a session we are broadcasting takes off and attracts unexpected large audience. The system keeps everyone watching and is seamless.
Streamlined - with the available Producer app, pushing video and monitoring the outgoing content is simple. The ability to have channels that are for different types of content helps us get people to the right place.
Metrics - our evaluations of live events benefits from the viewer information we are able to glean. This helps us focus marketing for future public events.

Publishing - the lack of ongoing support for the Producer app is one issue, while there are good alternatives, we have different users and sometimes as many as 3 channels in use the same day, having the Producer app, allows our different teams easier access without hardware or software concerns.
Channel Image Updating - it can be a little frustrating to update the off air or channel icons. This part of the backend system seems to just require a couple attempts many times before the update become visible.

IBM Cloud Video Business Outcomes

IBM Cloud Video has been used to share the ministry, work and up to date information about our ministry. It allows us to invite people to watch and learn from our live events. Inviting people into the live events, as opened new support and opportunities for us as a ministry.

Likelihood to Recommend

We have seen great success when we are sharing what is going on at meetings and streaming live events. There are always team members who can't be present, this allows for sharing of small events and engagement that is necessary in today's fast-paced world. For larger broadcasts, it is amazing to open this up to the public through marketing and see what attention can be attracted. If you need a solution that will support you no matter how large your audience grows, this is perfect.

Solid, Flexible, and Reliable.

Software Version

Overall Satisfaction with IBM Cloud Video