Webcasts Revolutionize Corporate Communications

In a significant shift towards more engaging and accessible communication, technology companies such as Microsoft and Intel are leading the charge in using webcasts for product launches, investor conferences, and employee training, leveraging the power of video and the internet to connect with stakeholders worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft's recent product launch, which drew over 10,000 viewers, showcases the potential of webcasts in reaching a wider audience.
• 74% of executives believe video services are an essential communication tool, as reported by Forrester Research Inc.
• Webcasts have become a crucial medium for companies to keep up with investor demand for information, with Cisco Systems Inc. broadcasting its product and earnings announcements on the web.
• 95% of Akamai's Webcast clients no longer schedule phone calls for live events, opting for internet broadcasting instead.
• The shift from phones to video has led to a massive increase in webcast traffic for companies like Yahoo Inc., which shot 900 live events in the first quarter.

Statistics:

• 74% of executives consider video services an important communication tool (Source: Forrester Research Inc.)
• 900 live events were shot by Yahoo Inc. in the first quarter, compared to 400 during the same period last year (Source: Yahoo Inc.)
• 10,000 people tuned in to Cisco's second-quarter earnings announcement broadcast over the web (Source: Cisco Systems Inc.)
• Cisco's web usage has quadrupled compared to phone-based earnings events (Source: Cisco Systems Inc.)
• Akamai's webcast clients spend $ 2,000 per event, significantly lower than the $ 60,000 an hour cost for telephone conferences (Source: Akamai Technologies Inc.)

Sources:

• Forrester Research Inc.
• Yahoo Inc.
• Cisco Systems Inc.
• Akamai Technologies Inc.
• Microsoft Corp.
• Intel Corp.
• Microsoft spokeswoman Cara Walker
• Intel spokesman Mike Sullivan
• Forrester Research Inc. survey of 50 companies