VBrick Removes Flaws And Eases Video-Streaming Headaches

VBrick's ease of use is due to rapid deployment and reduced costs. While the market is flooded with Windows Media streaming solutions, VBrick manages to rise to the top of the heap by addressing certain key issues.

The simplification the appliance brings to Windows Media streams translates into less time spent and less technical efforts, which can save considerable operating costs. The unit also integrates capture, encoding and broadcast capabilities into a single, cohesive environment, thereby further simplifying streaming and content deployment. The appliance eliminates the old-fashioned method of dedicating a PC with a video/audio capture card and associated encoding software to initially build video content. With that in mind, deploying the VB6000 WM will offer customers instant ROI. The VB6000 WM is capable of building on-demand video and the ability to encode and stream on the fly. Setup for live streaming can be accomplished virtually anywhere in minutes, which makes the device enticing to businesses.

The VBrick unit is available with two different configurations. The single-mode appliance lists for $4,595 and is used exclusively for encoding video. The dual-mode unit, evaluated by the CRN Test Center, offers both encoding and streaming (via an integrated Windows Media Server) and lists for $7,495.

Partners looking to engage clients who need numerous streams will need to partner with a service provider or a content delivery network (CDN). One such company, PowerStream, helps to solve bandwidth issues, mostly by re-broadcasting both live and canned content.

CRN Test Center engineers found VBrick's claims of ease of setup and quick streaming to be true. Most of the Windows Media solutions on the market require extensive software and hardware calibration, unlike the VBrick product line. Setup is eased by the default DHCP client, which is active upon boot up. IP address verification comes in the form of a flashing address on the unit's LCD screen. Of course, solution providers can modify the unit to use static addresses and subnet masks. The first visit to the unit's IP address brings up a password-protected administration console. Internet Explorer is the browser of choice, but the unit also can be managed via a Telnet session.

Getting started with a live stream is a breeze. Users must plug a video source into the unit, access the management GUI and process video-stream settings. (That task is particularly easy because of VBrick's wizard-like templates.) One catch: Users need to make sure the settings are saved, otherwise the unit will return to the factory default settings.

The VB6000 WM was tested in multicast mode. CRN Test Center engineers encountered no problems accessing the video stream from multiple-client PCs.

VBrick supports its partners with a two-tier channel program: VBrick Reseller and VBrick Network Certified Partner (VNCP). Partners at both level receive pre- and post-sales support along with co-op dollars. In addition, VNCPs receive funds for seminars and co-branded literature, as well as qualified leads. Margins run about 20 percent with ample opportunity for partners to profit from integration and related services.

VBrick Resellers must purchase basic demo equipment and have one VBrick Network Certified Engineer (VNCE) on staff. VNCPs must purchase advanced demo equipment, which allows the partner to demonstrate the full product set. VNCPs must have two VNCEs on staff, along with two VBrick Network Certified Salespeople (VNCS). VNCPs must also provide a written executable sales and marketing plan. VARs looking to partner with VBrick should expect to initially invest at least $8,000 for demo equipment and associated travel expenses for VNCE training, which is offered at no charge.

VBrick should sweeten the deal by offering demo equipment leasing to ease the initial burden of joining the program. Off-site or Web-hosted training should further reduce a partner's outlay. Otherwise, the company offers a solid channel program and an excellent product.