Websites using Ustream

Okay, let s break down ustream (which is now IBM Cloud Video, formerly IBM Video Streaming) along with its revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care details. It s important to note the rebranding here as ustream is no longer a standalone service.

Overview: IBM Cloud Video (Formerly ustream)

IBM Cloud Video is a comprehensive streaming platform designed for businesses of all sizes to broadcast and manage live and on-demand video content. It’s a robust enterprise-grade platform focusing on features, reliability, and scalability. Here s a quick overview:

• Key Features:

  • Live Streaming: Reliable live streaming with adaptive bitrate streaming for smooth viewing on various devices.
  • Video On Demand (VOD): Securely upload, manage, and distribute pre-recorded video content.
  • Cloud-Based: Hosted infrastructure, so you don t need to worry about servers.
  • Embeddable Players: Easily embed video players on websites and apps.
  • Monetization: Options for selling content through pay-per-view, subscriptions, or advertising.
  • Analytics: Detailed tracking of video performance, audience engagement, and usage.
  • Security: Robust security features such as DRM (Digital Rights Management), geo-restriction, and password protection.
  • API Access: Allows integration with other systems and workflows.
  • White Labeling: Options to customize the player and interface with your brand.
  • Support for various video formats: Supports a wide range of formats for upload and delivery.

• Target Audience: Businesses, enterprises, organizations, and content creators looking for a reliable, scalable, and feature-rich streaming platform.

Revenue:

• IBM Cloud Video doesn t publicly disclose specific revenue figures. It s part of IBM s larger cloud services division.
• IBM generates revenue through its subscription plans and value-added services, including:
  • Subscription Fees: Based on the plan level, which dictates features and usage limits.
  • Overages: If you exceed allocated bandwidth or storage limits, you ll incur overage fees.
  • Professional Services: IBM offers consulting and support for complex integrations and deployments.

Alternatives:

There are many alternatives to IBM Cloud Video, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some key competitors:

• Vimeo Livestream: (Also previously Livestream, now part of Vimeo)
  • Strong for live events, webinars, and enterprise use.
  • Good quality and features.
  • More focused on the creative and small business space.
• YouTube Live:
  • Free for basic live streaming.
  • Massive reach and easy integration with Google ecosystem.
  • Limited control over branding and monetization.
• Twitch:
  • Primarily focused on gaming and eSports streaming.
  • Offers interactive features for live audiences.
  • Not suitable for many professional or corporate uses.
• Brightcove:
  • Robust enterprise-grade streaming platform.
  • Advanced video management and distribution tools.
  • Higher price point, geared towards large organizations.
• Wowza:
  • Focuses on highly customizable streaming solutions.
  • Good for developers who need more flexibility.
  • More technical setup required.
• Dacast:
  • Affordable platform for live and on-demand streaming.
  • Good for small to medium-sized businesses.
• StreamYard:
  • Browser-based live streaming studio.
  • User-friendly and good for collaborative broadcasts.
  • Limited flexibility in terms of customization and enterprise features.

Pricing:

• IBM Cloud Video pricing is subscription-based and tiered. Plans are typically based on:
  • Hours of Live Streaming: How much live broadcast time you ll use.
  • Storage: The amount of storage you need for video files.
  • Bandwidth: The amount of data transfer used when viewers watch your videos.
  • Features: Different plans offer varying feature sets (like advanced analytics, monetization, security, etc.).
  • Number of viewers: There are options for concurrent viewership
• Pricing generally caters to enterprise level customers and is not considered the most budget friendly
• They usually don t publicly list their pricing on the website, and you would need to contact their sales team. This is often the case for enterprise-level SaaS solutions.

Customer Care Details:

• Support Channels:
  • Support Portal: Access to online documentation, guides, and FAQs.
  • Support Tickets: Submit requests for technical support or issue resolution.
  • Phone Support: Available depending on the plan level.
  • Dedicated Account Manager: For enterprise-level customers, you typically get a dedicated account manager.
• Support Hours: Varies depending on the support plan. Priority support is usually available with higher-tier plans.
• Focus on Enterprise-Level Support: IBM Cloud Video is designed for business use and typically offers more comprehensive support compared to free or basic consumer platforms.
• Response Times: Response times for support requests will vary depending on the plan and the priority of the issue.

Key Takeaways:

• IBM Cloud Video (formerly ustream) is a robust, enterprise-level streaming solution known for its reliability and features.
• It s designed for businesses that need a scalable, secure, and feature-rich platform for live and on-demand video.
• Pricing is subscription-based, tiered, and typically caters to business clients, so it may not be as cost-effective for smaller operations. You need to contact them directly to get specific pricing information for your usage needs.
• Customer support is generally good, especially for enterprise-level clients.

Before making a choice, thoroughly evaluate your specific needs, budget, and technical requirements. If you are a large organization with complex needs, IBM Cloud Video can be a solid contender. If your budget is small or you don’t need all of the advanced enterprise features, there are more budget-friendly options on the market.

Remember that these details can change, so it s always best to check the official IBM Cloud Video website for the most up-to-date information.