The core of the Ustream Cloud Platform centers on the company’s proprietary Ustream Content Delivery Network (UCDN), Ustream Media Server (UMS) and Ustream TCP Congestion Control Algorithm (UTCP). Together, this advanced technology stack provides users with unmatched redundancy, resiliency, and reliability to broadcast quality live video streams. Founded in 2007, Ustream is a San Francisco-based company that has grown to more than 250 employees within their San Francisco, Los Angeles, Budapest, Tokyo, and Seoul offices. Company customers and partners include Dell, Sony, Georgetown University, Panasonic, Samsung, CBSi, and Viacom.

Ustream is a privately owned company. For more information on Ustream, visit Ustream.tv, Twitter.com/Ustream, or Facebook.com/Ustream.

The vision started several years before Ustream was officially born in 2007, when two of the company’s founders were serving time in the military. At the time, Brad, Ustream’s current CEO, was unable to watch his brother’s rock band perform live onstage. Others in the military experienced similar challenges – they couldn’t watch their daughter graduate from college or they missed the big game with their friends. The specifics always differed, but the common thread was a single need: the ability to share real-time experiences with infinite family and friends, no matter where they are. We wanted to help soldiers and sailors around the world connect with the most important events in their lives.

In comes Ustream. In the early days, many celebrities and athletes used Ustream to chat with fans. Consumers quickly turned to Ustream to participate in these fan chats, watch cute animals, or keep tabs on other events taking place around the world. They loved the ability to choose live programming on-demand, yet also interact with a social community watching the exact same thing, at the same time.

Businesses took notice of this activity on Ustream, as they saw these highly engaged consumer audiences and the potential to reach them. As with many thriving businesses, adoption started with consumers and businesses followed suit. They realized the appeal of LIVE versus VIDEO-ON-DEMAND, and they started utilizing our platform to reach new audiences and better engage. And as a result, we saw our Pro Broadcasting sales to businesses surged, as many found innovative ways to broaden their reach and market to new audiences. Take a look at some examples.

Today, we’re continuing to expand our offerings for both our business and consumer users, with new features like HD-broadcasting and Live Playlists. Our mission is to empower anyone around the world to reach new audiences through the power of live experiences. We’ve got much more in the pipeline, and we’re excited to show them off – stay tuned!