ViewCast Portable Streaming Video Encoder Enables InfraGard

By Derrick on July 28, 2008 5:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

A Niagara GoStream Plus portable streaming video encoder is helping to build a vital communications channel to the 25,000 members of InfraGard, an FBI program that facilitates dialog between the public and private sectors regarding critical infrastructure protection issues. Donated by ViewCast Corporation, a leading global provider of audio and video encoding communication products, the encoder enables InfraGard to extend its information and education programs to members across the United States by streaming live events to the organization's Web site.

Established in 1996, InfraGard brings together security and risk management professionals from a variety of industries to encourage a robust exchange of information about how to protect the nation's critical infrastructures from terrorist and other threats. "Because our membership is so geographically dispersed, our biggest challenge has been finding a way to bring everyone together and deliver consistent information via a neutral platform that is easy to access and use," said Joe Concannon, president and CEO of InfraGard. "The GoStream Plus unit has given us the ideal solution by enabling members to view live and archived events from anywhere, using standard tools such as Windows Media, Adobe Flash, QuickTime, and Real Player."

InfraGard's inaugural use of the Niagara GoStream Plus encoder was for the recent 2008 GovSec U.S. Law and Ready Conference, followed by the InfraGard national conference and business meeting held in Orlando, Fla. In recognition of National Police Week, InfraGard is currently using the encoder to stream a virtual tour of the new National Police Memorial Foundation Museum to members. "With the GoStream Plus unit, there are no limits to the type of content we can make available to our members -- everything from interviews with CEOs and public officials to professional development courses in topics such as project management or the impact of federal legislation and policies," said Concannon. "Our last national business meeting in Orlando represented a significant milestone: the first time we were able to make meeting content available to all 25,000 members at the same time."

"InfraGard should be commended for its efforts to coordinate and educate such a massive group of volunteers in their mission to keep our country safe," said Dave Stoner, president and chief operating officer of ViewCast. "We're pleased that the GoStream Plus is playing such an important role in bringing together this dedicated group of patriots."