Cool Emerging Vendors From A To Z: Vmix
Channelweb.com in January launched its Emerging Vendors blog and has since profiled some 200 fresh young vendors that are eager to work with channel partners. Here's an A to Z look at some of the coolest companies we spotlighted this year. Now starring ... V is for Vmix.
Company: Vmix Media
Headquarters: San Diego, Calif.
Technology Sector: Software
Key Product: Vmix Online Video Platform
Year Founded: 2005
Number of Channel Partners: 6 in the U.S.
Ideal Channel Partner: Enterprise-focused solution providers
Why You Should Care: Vmix provides Software-as-a-Service tools for managing the growing volume of video and digital media on commercial Web sites.
The Lowdown: Websites with static content are so last century. Businesses today are loading their sites with streaming video presentations and other interactive media. But managing all that online content is becoming a major challenge for Web masters.
VMIX originally started out as a Web site in the YouTube mode for people to post videos. But its executives quickly figured out there was more money to be made in providing tools for other people to manage video on their own sites.
Today the company provides a Software-as-a-Service video platform that companies use to host video content, either their own customized content (such as HR management or training videos) or video from third parties (including online advertisements), and manage, organize and distribute that content.
Current customers include such media companies as the Tribune Company and Penguin Books, manufacturers like JVC and Toyota-Scion, and non-profits such as the American Cancer Society.
"We're really on the front-edge of the wave of video and we don't see any industry that wouldn't be interested in this," said CEO Mike Glickenhaus.
Last month Vmix, realizing the potential for its technology across many vertical industries, launched a channel program under which solution providers can white-label the Vmix SaaS system. Channel partners can combine the video management platform with a broad range of content management, data storage and training services, Glickenhaus said.
Vmix previously enlisted a handful of resellers that worked with broadcasters and newspapers. The company is now recruiting solution providers in any number of verticals such as health care, education and government.
Glickenhaus said his company isn't seeking a huge number of channel partners: He's set a goal of enlisting 25 to 30 partners over the next 12 months and he doesn't see the total number exceeding 50. He'd like to see Vmix's direct-indirect sales ratio reach 50-50 in three to four years.
Vmix is offering resellers a percentage of setup and monthly fees charged to customers. The company is also promising support with marketing resources and other collateral. Solution providers will pay Vmix a monthly license fee for the video management platform.