CASE STUDY: Market Strategy and Support for an Internet Video-Streaming Company in Western Europe

Corporate Solutions SA has assisted during several months, with market entry analysis and operational support in Spain and selected Western European countries, a video-streaming media company from the US, Visualbridge Inc. It offers content providers, portals, e-commerce sites and corporate communications departments, streaming-video services, including both technological and enhanced services. The company, participated by energy conglomerate ENRON from Houston, Texas, has achieved a significant market share in the South of the US, especially among the Hispanic population, and in various Latin American markets.

Video-streaming is perceived to have high growth potential in both Europe and the US, even with the existing low and medium-band-width available in most homes and companies. It is believed to be one of the highest growing segments of Internet content delivery in the future. The future arrival of higher band-widths, whether resulting from cable, optical fibre or satellite technologies, could be either a potential threat or a fuel for development, depending on technological developments, but a well-positioned media applications company should adopt the best technologies available and remain competitive. Applications range from media and entertainment, corporate communications, e-learning to teleconferencing at low cost (video-chat) and the cost of compacting, hosting and streaming are marginal compared to benefits of having on-line, immediate delivery.

Corporate Solutions SA has assisted the company with achieving the first pilot trials in western Europe, has helped them obtain the first sales and clients in Spain, and established contacts in the media industry in the UK, France, etc. Alternatives regarding market entry, hosting, technological and support services were addressed and recommended to the US management. The company is in the process of setting up a western European subsidiary.