I’m going to talk about a new kind of SaaS today, one that’s actually practical outside of the business sphere (although businesses will most likely be the primary users of this software).
Video SaaS is going to change the way video communications work in the near future (and already have begun to do so today.) With video SaaS, local video files, complicated player installations and even local computer-powered video processors are a thing of the past. Streaming , cloud video capture and video rendering are going to replace broadcast and publishing media – but not only that, they are going to replace how businesses reach out, communicate and instruct their staff and clients.
Today, I’m going to talk about three of the more interesting video solutions SaaS has to offer, The order is immaterial; One solution is not an alternative to the other, they each serve specific purposes.
#1 – JW Player
Let’s first get the video player/stream player out of the way. The JW Player is actually an open source and free product that can be customized to match the needs of your company. JW Player is a flash-based FLV/AVI/ player that basically works like the player on YouTube or Netflix.It’s incredibly useful for product demos, instructional videos and much more. Like YouTube, it works fine on most phones and tablets that support flash, and there’s an upcoming Java-based edition for iPhone and iPad users as well. I’ve tested JW Player on my android phone, and it plays beautifully.
#2 – HireView
At last, HR can enter the new century with style, thanks to HireView. HireView reminds me of those video phone and video message application systems we saw in old science fiction movies, but made real- and modernized. This web-based system supports live video interviews, recorded message interviews and much more.
Along with video submissions, a multitude of forms and other information input tools may be provided in live coordination with the video, allowing a multi-dimensional application. All facets of potential applicants are instantly available for analysis.
Compatible with any device thanks to its web-based design, HireView enables applicants and interviewers to communicate inreal-time or by relay – from anywhere they have a device with web capability and a camera.
#3 – Video Surveillance
The name speaks for itself, doesn’t it? This is how security will work in the future. No matter whether you are in an office, coffee shop or at home, the location of management or of your workers will become irrelevant. This hosted camera system allows remote access to camera feeds from anywhere over the web (with the right access granted). With Video Surveillance you can keep an eye on your house whether you are at work or on vacation. Security companies then have a simple job; all they have to do is provide a staff of observers (seated anywhere) and the ability to send local, physical security at the push of a button.
I am actually excited to see what this does to the burglary rates in this country, when such security systems become common place in residences and businesses.
Video SaaS is a big industry, and the above, three applications are just a peek at the technology to come. There are also media producing frameworks, media consumption frameworks and even video editing frameworks available on the market. I look forward to exploring these topics in the future.