Digital Media Buzz > How to Decide the Right Online Video Initiative for You

How to Decide the Right Online Video Initiative for You

By Brightcove, Inc.

Online video platforms are on-demand services that let you publish, distribute and monetize video and rich media. Online video platforms emerged as a category in 2005, when online video publishing began its rapid move into the mainstream of Web publishing. Given the challenges associated with online video publishing and distribution, Web publishers quickly started looking for partners who could help them succeed in this endeavor. 

Online video platforms have evolved rapidly over the last few years. They are all available through Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and for most companies, they complement the capabilities provided by content management systems (CMS), community platforms (for forums and blogs) and web analytics systems. 

Build vs. Buy Decisions 
When most Web publishers first consider adding video to their sites, they look at building the functionality on their own. While do-it-yourself is an option, it’s a huge undertaking. Web video requires a broad scope of functionality to publish, distribute and monetize. In addition, the ongoing maintenance costs of running a video platform are substantial. Therefore, most companies find it wiser to partner with a company that is dedicated to delivering and enhancing these services over time. Using an online video platform lets content owners and website publishers focus on their core competencies and the value they can create through content development, content programming, marketing and advertising sales.

This guide is designed mainly for those evaluating Brightcove as a technology platform. However, it’s also useful for business decision makers who must address various functional issues as they plan their online video initiatives. The guide takes a broad look at the online video platform category, while also providing detailed information about Brightcove.

 

To view the full guide, click here.