Monday, May 16, 2005

B2B video possibilities

I hate it when the B2C media seems to move faster than B2B.
Yet in this article by the Associated Press, it seems that our brothers in the consumer press are well ahead of us in the fast-growing world of downloadable video.
I've written about this subject before, and wondered when someone in B2B would make a move. I still haven't seen anything interesting. And that surprises me. It would seem to me that this new, do-it-yourself TV distribution is perfect for B2B. Industrial training, continuing education, professional certifications --- all these are well suited for downloadable video on demand.
For example, Primedia already operates Interactive Medical Networks, which provides continuing-education courses on DVDs and by Web broadcast. But IMN does not yet offer video-on-demand services.
I'm looking forward to hearing about new VOD offerings from the B2B world soon.

5 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 16, 2005

    Paul - I think Scripps is doing some great things related to B2B/B2C video - check out HGTVPro.com, today's announcement of several new broadband channels, VOD already offered, and the relationships with Yahoo, MSN, and Comcast.

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  2. Hi, and thanks for your comment.
    You're right. HGTVPro is doing some interesting stuff. I mentioned them in an earlier post on this subject. The link in today's post will get you there.
    I didn't see any new announcements from them today. But I would anticipate liking whatever they try next. I really like this product. Of particular note -- I think B2B companies are most likely to find success in VOD with this sort of hybrid B2B/B2C products.

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  3. I just came across the press release announcing the new Scripps broadband channels.
    It's at http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050516/165622.html?.v=1
    Thanks to anonymous for telling me about the news.

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  4. AnonymousMay 17, 2005

    Hey Paul,

    Check out http://www.vlog.com. Seeing that site has me thikning about doing some trade show video blogs, as well as expanding our video coverage utilizing these new editing and creation tools. I'll let you know when things are more concrete.

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  5. Hi Scott,
    Vlog is interesting stuff. I've noted that Jeff Jarvis got involved, which is always a good sign.
    Of the top of my head, I think you have a good idea. I like the idea of video blogging a trade show.
    I'd offer two bits of caution:
    1)Find a compelling personality to host. Few print reporters work well on camera. We found that out the hard way at both CNN and Bloomberg.
    2) Avoid the isn't-this-wacky style of reporting that I tend to see in Reporter's Notebook coverage of trade shows. Find a voice for the product that is something other than cynical.
    Good luck. And keep me posted.

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