7 Operation-Related Capabilities of Kollective SD-ECDN

Content management has evolved from the management of simple documents to the management of video content. This is why enterprise video content management now plays a big role in many companies. Kontiki is already a part of Kollective and together they have revolutionised the process of enterprise video content management.

Here are some of the operation-related capabilities of Kollective Software Defined Enterprise Content Delivery Network (Kollective SD-ECDN):

1.   Topology Graphing

This is a start-up process that enables the discovery of problems during the entire operation. It can directly detect the source of a problem for a quick resolve. Aside from that, this feature also allows nodes to send reports on central servers.

2.   Reporting and Analytics

Allowing nodes to make reports to the central system periodically, quite often these reports include delivery event details, serving metrics and local loading, playback statistics of videos and other related data.

3.   Content Publishing

Kollective SD-ECDN is an enhanced ESDN. This means that the published and scheduled content has been authenticated. Only authorised users can publish content and connect to other users. This allows users to create logical content, add useful descriptions, determine the content schedule and availability and much more.

4.   Content Delivery

The content delivery method of Kollective SD-ECDN supports various modes. The delivery of content is also controlled. The user can control who is and who is not allowed to access certain content.

5.   Live Event Streaming

Live streaming can be difficult for some networks, especially if a lot of users access the live event at the same time. With Kollective SD-ECDN, certain nodes will help to elect an excellent lead node that will acquire a single copy of the stream across the WAN link. This will result in a better live event.

6.   Trust Establishment

The central servers, nodes in the network and each end-user device are given a unique certificate. This serves as an identifier in the network. To make it simple, there is less chance that this system will be accessed by malicious content or commands.

7.   Authentication

Most content is access-controlled. Users won’t be able to access content without prior request and authentication. Our system provides authentication modes such as usernames and passwords and several sign-on schemes to verify the users.

These are just a few of the many capabilities of Kollective SD-ECDN. If you have more questions or if you need enterprise video solutions please don’t hesitate to send us a message to info@kollective.com.

Differentiating Collaboration and Broadcasting

Collaboration and Broadcasting have been sharing the limelight over the years. Both of them are created for a specific purpose and application.

What is collaboration?

Collaboration is a set of web conferencing tools. One example is the Cisco WebEx®. Its purpose is to allow workers and small groups of employees to immediately communicate online, via combined experience, at the same time. This enables the employees to experience audio and video, distribute and acquire presentations and engage with different interactive features such as annotation tools, whiteboarding and chat. These tools mostly concentrate on internal use applications.

However, there is some inconsistent information about their purpose and capabilities. Enterprises encounter quality problems with these web conferencing tools, whenever the number of participants increases. Most web conferencing tools can only accommodate a maximum of 25 persons effectively. When the number of participants exceeds this limit, the users experience problems with the quality of audio and video.

Web conferencing tools are undeniably useful in engaging small groups. However, due to network congestion, the probability of an unreliable service increases. Hence, these web conferencing tools are basically undependable when it comes to effectively broadcasting excellent all-employee meetings, events or trainings that are significant within the enterprise.

What is broadcasting?

Broadcasting is a tool that allows communication from one to many. A webcast is usually utilised for external communication with a big, dispersed audience. This solution has also been used for internal communication over the years. Broadcast webcasting tools allow an all-employee communication, that is significant to the enterprise, by providing the excellent service and engagement that web conferencing tools cannot supply.

Enterprises these days can be more highly decentralised, with more employees working outside of the office premises. The need for broadcast meetings, online events and training that is important to the enterprise continuously increases. This is the main reason why enterprises are now seeking “easy-to use” webcasting tools that can provide a high quality broadcast experience, at low cost. Self-service webcasting solutions offer the right delivery technology and the greatest user experience.

Kontiki Webcaster is the only self-service broadcast webcasting tool that can accommodate an unlimited number of participants, while providing an all-employee communication, at low cost. A simple and intuitive interface and with reliable high quality audio and video, the Kontiki Webcaster can provide a better understanding for all employees within the enterprise.

Contact us on 888-317-9283 if you want to learn more about the Kontiki Webcaster.

What is Webinar Software?

Webinar software (often referred to as web seminar, online event or webcasting) allows a business to perform online media seminars, impart big corporate presentations and publicly launch new products. It is a program or a video platform that helps to organise, administer and operate a webinar. A webinar is hosted by a certain individual or company, then other people may join and attend to it.

A lot of webinar software is available online. Some packages are for free but with limited features. On the other hand, there are companies that offer their software with a license that provides a complete and unlimited use of its features. This type of webinar software can cater to a large number of participants who can join through the use of the Internet.

Conducting a seminar through a webinar software package is nearly the same as the ordinary seminar. A webinar is an online seminar normally achieved through live broadcasting (over the Internet or a secured network). It usually has one or more presenters who engage with hundreds or thousands of participants.

The Common Features

Although there are different types of webinar software, some of their common features are the following:

• They have the ability to stream videos or webcam images over the Internet.
• They allow a flow of content which may be accessed by the participants at the same time. The information that is being presented by the speakers is provided in the software. This means that participants need not write down the things that are discussed.
• They allow additional resources such as live question & answer portions, online polling and other interactive stuff. These resources are integrated with the software to create different levels of audience participation. Allowing the participants to ask questions and give their feedback during the live broadcast, the speakers may immediately answer and explain the parts of the presentation that are being asked. They may provide supporting videos and links of their resources.
• Only those people who are participating the webinar are able to access all the content (videos, images, text).

These are just some of the common features of webinar software. Some companies offer similar software packages with more improved features that may benefit small and large companies.

Kontiki offers various video solutions and products which include the Kontiki Webcaster. It is one of the webinar software packages used by the leading companies to engage with employees, as well as customers. For more information regarding our products, please visit our website.

Outstanding Customer Service by Kontiki

Kontiki is known for providing the best enterprise video products and solutions. They are trusted by many businesses because of their outstanding customer support services. Some of their customer support services include:

1. Meetings with the Kontiki Product Management team

After you have availed a product or a solution from Kontiki, they will call for a meeting to discuss the features and the enhancements of your video platform. You can schedule a regular meeting with them to raise concerns or questions about their products. This can help you learn more about the function and the elements of the video solution.

2. Quarterly business analysis

The enterprise video solutions from Kontiki are results-oriented. Hence, Kontiki provides monthly reports about the status and the progress that the solution has brought to your enterprise. This can assure you that such solutions are effective for your business.

3. Product training

Kontiki also offers product training for employees to teach them how to use the products. This training can help to elevate the productivity of the company, while also helping to avoid any inaccurate video platform use.

4. Maintenance of the service software

One way to avoid viruses or the leaking of information is to have regular video platform or software maintenance. Kontiki provides this type of service to keep software free from unsecured cookies and viruses. Maintaining the product software can also secure your money’s worth because the service software will be preserved and secured for longer use.

5. Flexible submission of service requests

Kontiki accommodates service requests via phone or email. This flexible service is convenient for clients because they have the distinction of which medium to use.

6. Phone support

Kontiki offers two types of support: 24/7 phone support and standard support. Urgent issues also need urgent responses. That is why Kontiki offers a 24/7 phone support for pressing concerns. On the other hand, they also provide a standard support service for common issues.

A solution or a product is not enough. Kontiki’s customer support services will maintain your software, keeping it in good condition, while sustaining its efficiency within your company. Call Kontiki on the following phone numbers to learn more:

• For US-based clients: +1 888-317-9283
• For European clients: +44 (0) 800 242 5602
• For Asian clients: (0) +918040558782

Common Misconceptions about Webcasting Meetings Falsified

The 4 most common misconceptions about webcasting a meeting are listed in this article. Let’s discuss and falsify them one by one.

1. Webcasting a meeting is costly.

Of course it isn’t. Webcasting in fact is very cost effective. The amount usually varies depending on the number of virtual attendees. The good thing is that there are several providers, like Kontiki, that offer discount packages for big webcasting meetings. Their so-called “Kontiki Webcaster” caters to 200 and above employees and also provides for unlimited producers. This service is offered for a fixed low annual subscription fee that is 50% cheaper compared to other providers.

2. There is a big chance that random people can view the meeting.

Webcasting does not mean public online viewing. The meeting will only be available to those people to who have been permitted to view by the administrator. This can assure you that the link URL of the meeting is sent only to the company’s employees and business partners.

3. Webcasting is too technical for our business partners and employees to understand.

Webcasting activation happens with just a click of a button. You just have to send the link of the meeting to the email addresses of your employees or business partners for the webcasting to start. Since various companies have unique needs, some providers, like Kontiki, support “do-it-yourself” all-employee communication through enabling the comprehensive implementation of webcasting, throughout the enterprise.

4. Webcasting is impossible without the Internet.

A webcasting service from a service provider like Kontiki delivers high quality audio and video, whether or not you have the Internet and regardless of the location of the office and the device you are using.

Interested in the Kontiki Webcaster for your company meetings? Call Kontiki on the following contact numbers:

• For US-based clients: +1 888-317-9283
• For European clients: +44 (0) 800 242 5602
• For clients in Asia: (0) +918040558782

The Difference between Webcasting and Webconferencing

Communication is what makes any business successful. Nowadays, communication takes place through certain platforms with the use of the Internet. Two of the most popular means of relaying messages or sharing files with other people is web conferencing and webcasting.

Although both are communication tools, there are several points on which they differ:

Webcasting

Webcasting is a communication tool that broadcasts and transmits messages to a larger audience. One of the advantages of using this tool is its ability to keep the transferred files online that are always available for downloading at a later stage.

Video

Video is the main feature of any webcasting software. Interactions during the event, however, are limited in comparison with web conferencing, as streaming happens only one way. The attendees can stream the video of the presenter but not vice-versa. A large Internet bandwidth and support accessories are necessary to achieve high quality video streaming.

Webcasting can be for major public events or other business related activities. Apart from businesses, webcasting is also popular during weddings and funerals. Webcasting is much more inexpensive when compared with web conferencing.

Information Delivery

The delivery of files happens through the Internet, whether they are live or archived.

Web Conferencing

The most common tool for remote communication, between smaller groups of people in business, is through web conferencing – companies who want to keep close contact with their clients, attend online business meetings, share files and show presentations.

Information Delivery

Web conferencing meetings or events also take place via the Internet. Having VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol in the device is essential during web conferencing to enable communication, in real time, with other members of the conference. On the other hand, there is really no other need for any special accessories and internal software in the device besides a webcam, screen, speaker and a microphone. A high quality Internet connection is required to prevent image freezes, lags and communication cuts.

Interactivity

When you need interactivity from participants in real time, web conferencing is the way to go. All attendees are able to share their ideas, files and applications.

Which is better?

Webcasting and web conferencing both have different concepts and they target different needs for communication. They fulfil different purposes, so neither one is necessarily better than the other.

For our quality webcasting and webconferencing services, please call us at Kontiki on +44 (0) 800 242 5602.

Kontiki University: The Correct setup for an interview

Creating an interview video is a good training ground for beginners in video production. The subject is not moving, it can be done in a single location and within a day. Interview videos, when done correctly, can be very interesting. That is why companies incorporate interview videos onto their website.

What are the key factors for a good interview video? Here is a short list.

• Location – There are several factors to consider when looking for the right location.
  • It must be large – There are several lighting requirements, mic, equipment and tools that are needed for a good interview. The room should be spacious enough to accommodate the crew, the interviewee and the equipment.
  • Silence – We do not want unnecessary sound during the interview. Noise may distract the interviewer and the interviewee. It may also have an impact on the comfort level and the mood of the interviewee. Moreover, we want to avoid retakes during the interview.
  • Visual background – The background should be clean and gentle for the viewers, without distractive colours and designs. Examples of a better background idea are company logos, light floral arrangements or a simple bookcase.

• Chairs – Use a straight-back chair that is not squeaky and without wheels.

• Subject – If there is only one subject and it is not important for the interviewer to be seen, have the subject sit on a straight back chair facing the camera. The interviewer can sit beside or next to the camera, 4 to 5 feet away from the subject. The subject can look at the interviewer while talking but he or she will also be looking near the camera. We do not want to make the subject uncomfortable by asking them to look directly into the camera.

 

If there are two or more subjects, the two chairs should angle to one another. Chairs should be 1 to 2 feet apart. We want to avoid forming a negative space as much as possible.

• Lighting – Is dependent on the number of people. If there is only 1 subject, then it is recommended to use the traditional 3-point lighting technique.
  • Key light – This is the main light source that shines directly on the subject. It is usually angled slightly to the front left or right of the subject.
  • Fill light – This is placed at a lower position than the key light. Its purpose is to fill the parts that the key light misses, providing an overall balance of light for the video.
  • Back light – It can be placed anywhere behind the subject. It creates a thin outline of light around the subject (rim light), effectively separating him or her from the background.

 

• Camera – The position of the camera must be 5 to 10 feet away from the subject. It should be cropped tightly on the subject. Make sure the interviewer does not obscure the angle of the subject

• Release form – The interview would be a waste if there is no permission to release the video. Make sure that a release form has been signed after the interview.

 

Enroll now at Kontiki University for tips and advice on video making processes. We combine customised in-person workshops with online video portal training to enhance your video making skills.

Kontiki is all about video portals, webcasting and enterprise video content management. We deliver 100 million videos to companies, worldwide, using their existing network infrastructure. We are dedicated to providing firms with an efficient, affordable and user-friendly video communication solution.

 

 

Image courtesy of Coolhunting.com and Vimeo.com

Sharepoint : Video Sharing With Integrity

Nowadays, a popular means of communication for businesses around the globe is through webcasting. Almost all business transactions through webcasting include file and video sharing. However, the use of any existing software on the web for video sharing may be too risky, as it may deliver viruses to your computers.

Kontiki Video Web Parts for Sharepoint

Video share with confidence, as Kontiki’s Video Web Parts for Sharepoint is a safe and reliable means to share your information. Kontiki offers supreme reach and commitment through the delivery and integration of high and distinct quality, live and on-demand video, which goes directly to Sharepoint.

By using Kontiki Video Web Parts for Sharepoint, the company offers easy integration and access. With this Kontiki service, uploading, viewing and social videos are completely hassle-free, within the Sharepoint environment.

Why Sharepoint?

The role of Microsoft Sharepoint for business transactions through webcasting entitles all users, around the globe, to receive a direct connection with the same engaging video viewing and social collaboration experience. This server system is an integrated suite server, capable of improving organisational effectiveness. By providing comprehensive content management and enterprise search, accelerating the shared business process and facilitating information-sharing across boundaries, you are able to achieve a better business insight. Its biggest advantage among other platforms is its UI or User Interface. The kind of interface it has enables every user to have easy access and an understanding of the content.

End-To-End Security on Sharepoint

The proven safety of file and media is one of the pledges that Kontiki has made. For sharing, transferring and video management, this feature ensures that the content is scanned for any possible threats and viruses. In addition to this, during the upload process files are encrypted and protected for a more secured sharing.

On the other hand, video streams cannot be stolen and sniffed while importing videos. This is a very important consideration, especially when sharing confidential files.

The Delivery

The videos that are viewed in Sharepoint, assisted by Kontiki’s Enterprise Content Delivery Network (ECDN), ensures a high resolution video viewing experience, without the hassle of buffering, across all the participants–even in hard to reach locations. The cloud-based solution uses your present network structure that is equivalent to an easy, quick and cost-efficient setup.

 

Kontiki’s Video Web Parts for Sharepoint… Security and dedication to user demands.

Kontiki University: Video Presentation at Its Finest

There is no doubt about it video presentation is now a very popular tool in the world of Internet marketing. As such, more and more UK businesses are realising the benefits of having a good video presentation, especially in this era where the majority of people are now utilising the power of the Internet for their learning and shopping needs. We should take note that in the case of Internet marketing “more traffic will result in more possible sales and thus will lead to a higher gross income”. Having a good video presentation is just one part of the Internet marketing equation. What do you need to do to provide a good video presentation? Follow these steps.

Don’t be nervous, be confident

The first thing you must establish is your self-confidence. You want to present yourself in a confident and knowledgeable manner. Take a deep breath before the presentation and talk to your audience, while making the presentation as interactive as possible. We know that this will be hard in the beginning, especially for the first time presenters. There is room for error when recording video presentations because you can edit out the mistakes afterwards. However, we strongly suggest that you treat it seriously, for it will serve as your stepping stone into your live presentation.

Check your background

Before you begin your presentation it is important to thoroughly check your background. Check on things that will be a possible ‘eye-catcher’ or any things that will divert the attention of the audience from you – like a dirty desk, a beautiful painting and the like. If you are doing a pre-recorded presentation with some special effects, then having a clear background is a good choice, most likely a plain coloured background (any colour that is not present in your clothing), for the reason that you can easily edit out the background to your liking, after the recording.

Rehearse your lines

Doing a video presentation is practically the same thing as doing a board room presentation or doing a live sales-pitch. Therefore, as a good presenter, you must know your lines and you must be knowledgeable about your topic. Practice your openings, endings and show your enthusiasm. Having fun with your script is good. Adding humour to your lines does not necessarily make the presentation unprofessional and as such it could never hurt to use a little humour. Always use different hand gestures and facial expressions to emphasise your points, to catch the attention of your audience.

The point is that you should do your best to separate your presentations from the hundreds of boring presentations out there. The Internet is a huge place and most likely your audience has seen a few video presentations before. Remember that in video presentation, the first few seconds are the most critical, since they will be the deciding factor if the viewer stays to watch the whole presentation or just clicks away.

Look at the camera

It is a good habit to maintain eye contact when talking to people. This rule also applies to video presentation. The “camera” is the eye of the viewers and not the screen and thus we must maintain our focus on the camera. However, during presentations we have the natural tendency to look down on the screen. We should avoid that. One way to minimise that behaviour is to stick an arrow pointing to the camera to remind yourself to focus on the audience.

One of the best ways to be proficient in the art of video presentation is through experience. Do not worry if the presentation is not perfect on your first try – you cannot expect yourself to be an expert at this point. Keep making your presentations and you will get better.

 

Do you want additional information or learning materials regarding video presentations, video platform, webcasting and the like? Please visit Kontiki’s website. They offer video tutorials, tools and software that will help you in your journey through the world of video presentation.

Kontiki’s Cloud-Based Delivery – Making One Time Dissemination of Massive Files to Multiple Receivers Possible

If you have not yet indulged in Kontiki’s Cloud-Based Delivery services, then waiting for hours and hours for a 50 MB file to be delivered must be a normal scenario for you. Even worse, you could experience this, only to find that even if the file is done uploading it cannot be sent because of the size limit. Indeed, that can ruin your day, especially if the file involves very important information that has to be disseminated right away, to clients or employees in your company.

Cloud-Based Delivery

Here’s the good news: Kontiki’s Cloud-Based Delivery makes the one time, online distribution of your massive company files to multiple receivers possible. This is done through acquiring an Enterprise Content Delivery Network provided by Kontiki. Although Kontiki is known for services that cater to videos like video portal, video platform, webcasting, online video content management, etc., it also delivers non video large files like PDF, software updates and a lot more.

The Benefits

There are numerous benefits with Cloud-Based Delivery. Some of them are the following:

1. The sky is the limit for the number of receivers.

Sending a large file, to 100,000+ employees from different parts of the globe in just a moment, is made possible using Kontiki’s delivery solution. It provides no limit to the number of file recipients. Therefore, forwarding relevant data, a new set of rules or a new project to all your employees is just a ‘send’ button away.

2. The security of the content is ensured.

The Cloud-Based delivery is not open for public use. Aside from its delivery features, this solution is also availed by private organisations and companies to get away from the hackers and spammers. The network that will be provided by Kontiki is also limited to the client’s operation. Hence, this service can guarantee the confidentiality and security of the information that you will distribute.

3. Cloud-based delivery can cater to different types of gadgets.

Every client’s computer or gadget acts as a server, if it is installed with Kontiki’s friendly delivery system. Thus, the main server of the company or organisation can send massive files, even if the receiver is using a tablet, a cell phone or any other gadget.

4. The delivery to a large audience has no impact to the Internet or network of the company.

Leave all the worries to Kontiki because this amazing delivery solution ensures the high quality delivery of enormous files, without affecting the efficiency of the network or Internet of the company. Therefore, if you are an enterprise that works online, you can still continue your wired workload and services without experiencing any impact caused by this Cloud-Based Delivery.

 

Improve the services, sales and revenue of your business through ensuring faster delivery of essential files to your clients and to your employees. Treat your business to Kontiki’s Cloud-Based Delivery now! If you like our delivery solution  please give us a review. Have a great day!