Podcasting

Andy LillesveAnwar AglanPaul Moyryla

Outline

• Definition of a Podcast• Business Applications• Supporting Technology• Costs• Benefits & Risks• Managerial Concerns• Recommendation

What are Podcasts?

• Pre-Recorded Audio or Video files which are automatically downloaded to the subscriber’s computer via RSS Feeds.

• Files can then be transferred to portable media devices (iPod, iPhone, Zune)

Business Applications

• External Applications– Marketing Channel• Provide Product Information• Advertise Current Promotion

– Provide Public Relations• Address Public Concerns or Frequently Asked

Questions– Increase the Brand• Example: CNN Providing a News Podcasts

Business Applications cont.

• Internal Applications–Distribute important meeting or seminar

information–Provide employees with another way to

archive their experiences in the company–Communicating memo’s or policy changes

Supporting Technology

• Audio Podcast production requires either a Windows or Apple computer– Apple systems are more compatible and are easier

to use• Video podcasts require digital video

equipment and additional software– Windows and Apple based applications are both

available• An MP3 player is required for listening when

away from a computer

Cost

• All necessary software is available free via the internet for Windows based systems.

• Apple computers come with necessary software preinstalled

• External audio and video components, i.e. microphone, camera etc. can be purchased for under $1000

• Training sessions are available for under $1000 for 2 days, but deemed unnecessary

Benefits and Risks

• Benefits– Increase your consumer base and

company visibility– Improve knowledge management

and employee communication

• Risks– Increased risk of confidential

information being released– Lack of adoption from customers

or employees

Managerial Concerns

• The ability for anyone to create and broadcast• Unlimited visibility potential• Policies need to be put in place to deal with

confidential information, use of electronic resources

• Need for increased monitoring– Additional IT staff– Wireless security

Managerial Concerns cont.

• Possible competitive impacts– Better time management by employees

• Trade-offs– Decide what will and will not be made available

via podcast

Recommendation

• Allocate further resources to acquire for use– Better time management– More production from employees– Another media channel to inform

employees/consumers– Meetings, training seminars, company policies

Questions