Historic Online Conference Pioneers New Technology

Strategic Insights -

In a groundbreaking event, Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger led an online conference from London and New York, marking the first instance of a live, multimedia event broadcast worldwide simultaneously through CompuServe, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. Utilizing emerging technologies, including CompuServe Viewer, Xing Technologies' Streamworks voice compression software, and CU-SeeMe, the conference linked "digital cafes" around the world and provided viewers with live video and sound of the event. The experimental conference showcased the potential for future online interactions, offering a unique and immersive experience for participants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The online conference, hosted on CompuServe by Rolling Stone magazine, was the first in history to use three emerging technologies to broadcast multimedia content worldwide simultaneously.
  • The event utilized CompuServe Viewer, Xing Technologies' Streamworks voice compression software, and CU-SeeMe to link "digital cafes" and provide live video and sound of the conference.
  • The conference marked the first public test of CompuServe's new audiovisual conferencing capabilities, allowing 100 journalists and CompuServe members to participate and view live, still video images of Jagger and Rolling Stone magazine interviewer David Fricke.
  • The innovative use of technology enabled Jagger to discuss his music, new ventures, and upcoming tour with fans worldwide, while Fricke praised the immediacy and excitement of the online medium.
  • CompuServe Vice President of Information Services Product Marketing, Kevin Knott, highlighted the unique personal interaction with top stars made possible through online conferences.
  • The conference saw the use of periodic live color video stills, audio sound bytes from London and New York, and photographs from Stones album covers to complement the text.

Statistics:

  • The online conference was linked to "digital cafes" in Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, and Cambridge, Mass.
  • CompuServe members worldwide participated in the event, while journalists and fans engaged through online forums and live video streaming.
  • The conference used Xing Technologies' Streamworks voice compression software, which allowed sound bites to accompany live video images.
  • CompuServe operates the most comprehensive online network in the world, providing services to nearly 900 corporate accounts and more than 3.8 million users in over 140 countries.
  • H&R Block, the parent company of CompuServe, handled nearly 17.1 million returns with the Internal Revenue Service in 1995, serving taxpayers in over 9,500 offices worldwide.

Sources:

  • "Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger set a new standard in cyberspace..." PR Newswire, Dec. 8
  • "CompuServe is an H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) company." PR Newswire, Dec. 8
  • "CompuServe operates the most comprehensive online network in the world..." PR Newswire, Dec. 8
  • "H&R Block Tax Services handled nearly 17.1 million returns with the Internal Revenue Service in 1995..." PR Newswire, Dec. 8