GigaOM Radar Edge Platform Leader & Outperformer 2024 | 
Streaming continues to gain momentum, adapting to the demands of this hyperconnected era, where audiences expect to access their programming anytime and anywhere, they choose. From gaming enthusiasts and sports fans to educators and influencers, creators from around the world are diving into this interactive medium in droves. More than ever, content can be monetized, and fans can enjoy the content they want to watch whenever they want.
It may seem as though streaming was ushered in after the beginning of the 21st century by the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, or the success of MLB Advanced Media (BAMTech), but the spark of streaming began over 30 years ago. In 1993 in Palo Alto, California, Xerox PARC was throwing a rooftop party to celebrate the opening of their new fitness center with a rock band called Severe Tire Damage. Researchers as far away as Australia heard the music. Streaming was born. The technology was called “MBONE,” or Multicast Backbone. At the time, the internet wasn’t equipped to handle streaming.
Livestreaming remains challenging, and looking ahead is essential. Edgio has a proud history of pioneering research, authenticity, transparency, and product value. It’s all about listening to the customer and their needs before product development even begins. We offer a personalized approach, realizing that each customer has diverse needs and strategies. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work, and streaming is no different—particularly given the ever-changing environment due to various technological, consumer, and market trends that seem to change weekly.
That’s why we’re rolling out a new Stream Your Way campaign that gives you tailored solutions, simplified pricing, and unparalleled flexibility.
Increased Competition Calls for New Solutions
The streaming market is experiencing significant shifts. New entrants, including tech giants, traditional media companies, and niche content creators, are intensifying competition. Meanwhile, the landscape is being carved out and reshaped by mergers and acquisitions as companies consolidate resources and content libraries to enhance their competitive edge.
Amid these changes, clients are seeking more tailored approaches. Edgio’s Uplynk Media Platform is well positioned to address this demand by providing a comprehensive suite of services designed for broadcasters, OTT providers, and content owners, enabling them to engage effectively with today’s online video viewers.
Uplynk has all bases covered by streamlining video content preparation through delivery and monetization, whether for live events, linear channels, or on-demand assets.
Technology needs to advance along with growing needs
Streaming technology is bringing advancements like 4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Atmos, which all significantly enhance the viewing experience. Live streaming, especially of events like sports and concerts, is also becoming increasingly popular. SBJ reports that 43% of Americans say they’re spending more time on streaming platforms, because their favorite content is there. Spending always follows eyeballs.
On the content side, the competition is fierce to bring viewers original programming to attract and keep subscribers, with exclusive shows and movies becoming key differentiators. As a result, the range of content available has expanded dramatically, embracing an ever-wider spectrum of interests. Gone are the days of appointment viewing. From international shows that offer a window into distinct cultures to independent films that provide fresh perspectives, the platforms are catering to niche, discriminating audiences with remarkable precision. What hasn’t gone away is viewer’s expectation that streaming works when they hit “play.”
The margin of error is slim.
Edgio tackles industry challenges head-on by offering flexible, tailored solutions. Whether clients require a single component of our tech stack or a comprehensive package, our Stream Your Way approach ensures the perfect technical fit every time and it signifies our commitment to providing a comprehensive end-to-end platform for those who need it, while also offering tailored solutions for clients with more specific needs.
Our customer-centric focus goes beyond technology. We actively partner with our clients to address their unique challenges, strengthen relationships, boost customer retention, and provide scalable solutions.
We offer streamlined pricing to simplify decision-making. Whether you need a comprehensive end-to-end solution or prefer a modular approach, Smartplay is available to fit your needs. Now, you can access Smartplay’s top-tier features without altering your existing tech stack. A key component of Edgio’s Uplynk Streaming Media Platform, Smartplay enhances our ecosystem and integrates seamlessly into customer workflows. It delivers highly personalized sessions through manifest generation, offering features like multi-CDN, mid-stream switching, SSAI, DRM, geo-blocking, blackout rules, and industry-standard latency, ensuring a consistently high-quality viewing experience for every user.
As a comprehensive managed service provider, Edgio offers end-to-end support—from integration to operation and optimization—ensuring our customers fully leverage our solutions to achieve their business goals. This combination of innovation, customer focus, and comprehensive support drives Edgio’s growth and strengthens our position in capturing market share from competitors.
Streaming is still evolving, and at Edgio we’re ready to ride the tide now and for years to come. With its expansive global outreach, Uplynk serves as the foundation for companies to build their streaming businesses, enabling them to concentrate on their unique strengths and differentiators to create sustainable strategies that work.
Connect with our experts today to streamline operations, cut costs, and enhance your viewing experience.
