Are you confused about Microsoft Stream? oh Microsoft Stream on SharePoint? So did we. As a competitor we keep an eye on competitor’s strategy often to get inspired from each other. So this is our journey.
Microsoft Stream is one of the most popular enterprise video platform as services on the market. It’s being force pushed to IT administrators, but it’s far from perfect. Here are a few reasons why you should reconsider your decision to use Microsoft Stream.
Let’s start with product strategy. In early 2017 Microsoft had a rebranded product called Office 365 video, it was a half baked solution. In 2021 Microsoft announced Stream would be replatformed onto SharePoint, why they were still transitioning from classic to something else. Here is a chronological timeline of the product. No, they are not just name changes (which we commonly see in the industry) they are completely different offerings.
Microsoft Stream was that it was included in Microsoft 365 and offered features such as the ability to upload and share videos, live streaming capabilities, and integration with other Microsoft tools like Office 365 and SharePoint.
- 2015 – Microsoft Office 365 video
- 2017 – Microsoft Stream
- 2019 – Microsoft Steam Classic and Microsoft Stream 365
- 2021 – Microsoft Stream (on SharePoint)
- 2023 – (just kidding) Stream Enterprise on SharePoint that runs on Azure
It’s clear, the product lacked direction, commitment and investment. Therefore suffered a loss of functionalities over time that businesses see as a lost opportunity for them by investing in it. Let’s focus on the use cases.
As pandemic hit, the need for remote collaboration skyrocketed. Zoom meetings
The main use case for video in enterprises for employees is typically for internal communication and collaboration. Enterprise video platforms are often used to share information and updates from leadership, deliver training and onboarding content, and facilitate team meetings and presentations. Microsoft Stream had some exciting features such as automatic closed captioning aka ML based transcription that was powered by Azure
Video content can also be used to capture knowledge and expertise from subject matter experts, and make it accessible to a wider audience. This can be particularly useful for organizations with a decentralized workforce or those with employees who work remotely.
Additionally, video can also be used to create a sense of connection and community among employees, especially in times when remote work is more prevalent. This can include things like virtual town hall meetings or employee-generated content.
Another use case of video in enterprise is for e-learning and training of employees, video can be used to create engaging and interactive learning experiences, which can improve retention and understanding of the material. Additionally, video can also be used for performance evaluations, providing visual evidence of an employee’s work and progress.
Microsoft Stream is a well-marketed enterprise video platform that is included in Microsoft 365 and offers a range of features for managing, sharing, and tracking videos within an organization. However, like any software, it also has some limitations and potential downsides. Some of the demerits of Microsoft Stream include:
- Limited Customization: Some users have reported that the platform’s customization options are limited, making it difficult to fully brand and tailor the platform to their organization’s specific needs.
- Limited Integration: Microsoft Stream is integrated with other Microsoft products, like Office 365 and SharePoint, but it may not integrate as seamlessly with non-Microsoft tools and systems.
- Limited Analytics: While Microsoft Stream does offer analytics on how videos are being used and viewed, the data is not as robust as other enterprise video platforms, which may make it difficult to fully understand viewer engagement and make data-driven decisions.
- Limited scalability: for large enterprises with a huge number of employees, videos and content, it may be difficult for the platform to scale to meet the needs of the organization.
- Limited support: some users have reported that the support options for Microsoft Stream are limited, and that getting help with the platform can be difficult.
However, other enterprise video platforms such as CircleHD, Kaltura, Brightcove, and Vimeo Enterprise, also offer similar features and benefits, and may be a better fit for certain organizations depending on their specific needs and requirements. If you are evaluating different platforms, we have put together a checklist and RFP template you can use to see which one fits your needs.
CircleHD is a full featured enterprise video platform, it’s important to evaluate all options and choose a solution that best fits the specific needs and goals of your organization. Factors such as scalability, security, integration, and cost should all be taken into account when making a decision.
1. CircleHD offers a better video quality. Microsoft Stream’s streaming quality is often subpar, resulting in choppy, pixelated videos. CircleHD, on the other hand, offers smooth, high-quality streaming that users can rely on.
2. CircleHD is more user-friendly. Microsoft Stream can be difficult to navigate, with a clunky interface and inconsistent user experience. CircleHD, however, is intuitive and easy to use, making it much more enjoyable for users.
3. CircleHD offers a better learning experience.
4. CircleHD is more affordable. Microsoft Stream can be expensive, with its subscription plans ranging from $5 to $15 per user per month. CircleHD, on the other hand, is much more affordable for scaling and growing enterprises.
CircleHD is fully integrated with your single sign on solution such Azure Active Directory, Okta or OneLogin.
An enterprise video platform is a software solution that allows businesses to manage, distribute, and monitor video content within the organization. These platforms typically offer a wide range of features, including the ability to upload, organize, and share videos, as well as the ability to track viewer engagement and analyze data on how videos are being used within the organization.
When it comes to choosing an enterprise video platform, there are several factors to consider. Some important considerations include the platform’s scalability and security, as well as its ability to integrate with other tools and systems within the organization. Additionally, it’s important to consider the cost and support options available for the platform.
Overall, CircleHD is a much better option than Microsoft Stream.
If you’d like to learn more about how CircleHD can help support your training and team enablement efforts, we’d love to speak with you. Get in touch here.
