Client software flows to the desktop

Today, almost everyone with access to a networked multimedia-ready PC has had a satisfactory streaming experience over the Internet. The client component of the technology is ubiquitous. Software applications for decoding and displaying streaming media are available from Real Networks, Microsoft and Apple. Microsoft has embedded support for streaming media in every operating system release since Windows 98.

Measuring the market

Streaming Media, the organizer of the largest semiannual conference on the topic, estimates that the size of streaming media in the business market was more than $400 million in 2001, including products and services.

Gerry Kaufhold, principal analyst at Cahners InStat, estimates that in 2001 service providers that hosted and delivered streams for businesses generated approximately $900 million.

An additional $734 million, Kaufhold estimates, was spent on servers and technologies for streaming that were deployed directly into the enterprise networks. Cahners InStat forecasts $7.7 billion in revenue for the same markets in 2005.

Jupiter Media Metrics estimates that businesses spent $140 million on streaming media products and services in 2000, and that the market would grow to $2.8 billion by 2005.

Gartner analyst Lawrence Orans predicts that by 2006, 80% of Global 2000 companies will support live and on-demand video to the desktop. Streaming media can also be used for corporate security. Installing a Webcam in sensitive areas such as shipping depots, receiv-ing areas and lobbies can be an effective way to control vandalism and mischief.

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Perey is president of Perey Research & Consulting in Placerville, Calif. The company provides business development consulting services and conducts market research on the use of video in enterprise. She can be reached at cperey@perey.com.

Global Test Alliance

Perey is also a member of the Network World Global Test Alliance, a cooperative of the premier reviewers in the network industry. For more Test Alliance information, including what it takes to become a member, go to www.nwfusion.com/alliance.