Item: IBM Video Streaming
Rating: 9
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with IBM Cloud Video (including Ustream)

Implementation Rating

It was very easy for us to implement on our end. The integration with SAML was quick and easy; and once we had the applications installed recording video required no training.
The only issues we ran into were technical on our end - on the equipment actually being used to record (microphones and video cameras); no problems with uStream

Usability

It works great for us. There were occasional service outages, but actually recording, editing, and sharing video was incredibly easy.
It has gotten better over time as well - with simpler menus and easier tools.

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use it to stream team meetings across the company. Primarily this is the 'all hands' meeting, but as teams have grown (and spread out) they have begun to use it.
It enables offices across the country to view the meeting, as well as remote users, or those who are working a shift during the important meetings.
We have also used it for important announcements

Pros and Cons

Pros

It's very easy to broadcast, using the Ustream producer app or even the app on a smartphone. It didn't require in-depth training or AV expertise, just some basic instructions and equipment.
The ability to record and then trim video in the web interface means that even teams who don't really intend for live viewing can use this - recording their video ahead of time for announcements or team viewings in other offices.
uStream Align made it incredibly easy to validate logins with SAML - this means we know exactly who is logging in to view the live feed and recorded videos, how often, and prevents unauthorized access.

Cons

Editing functionality in the web based editor is still limited to basic trimming of video length. Would love to be able to add chaptering, transitions, and even import clips for splicing.
The uStream producer app required a separate purchase - which was totally worth it, but wished those features were included in the free programs. Their free version is fine for basics but the producer was top notch.
Transitioning from uStream basic to Align required a manual download and re-upload of all our content - that transition could have been much smoother

Likelihood to Recommend

uStream is great for 1-way video feeds. Company broadcasts, team meetings, announcements.
It's not usable for video conferencing (nor is it meant for it)
It's also great for training videos - because you can audit viewing time you can actually verify that people have watched the videos and for how long.
As an online repository to store video for later viewing, it's great.

Comments

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Bob Lee
commented 9 years ago
Hello. I'm Bob from the Voice of the Customer team here at Ustream, an IBM Company. Thank you for your review of our platform. We're thrilled to get your insights and appreciate your comments and suggestions. Your points about the SAML integration for Single Sign-On are especially valuable as so many customers using our platform internally consider this to be a critical feature. And we're pleased to hear that the individual viewer tracking is helping you measure the impact of your videos. We'll keep working to earn your business and look forward to sharing some exciting new functionality in the coming months that will further enhance your internal video initiatives. Thanks Again.

The easiest way to stream important company videos

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