Live and on-demand streaming media have definitely arrived on the Internet and on corporate intranets as part of a multimedia mix for all kinds of applications, including sales, marketing, and training. Streaming media promises quick access to meaningful content without the aggravating wait for files to download. The files then remain on the user's machine until they are deleted. Streaming media sends digitized files to the user's computer while the user is listening or watching, and when the stream is ended, no data is left behind on the user's machine. This might seem like technical hairsplitting but could be quite meaningful when corporate content might be sensitive or not meant for any type of reproduction.
Streams can also be password-protected for additional security.
Streaming media is economical and extremely affordable. Once the streaming media version of your training presentation has been completed, there is no need, as there is with tapes or CD-ROMs, to pay duplication or shipping charges. The stream is available 24 hours a day and can remain on the company site indefinitely. The cost of hosting and archiving these streams is minuscule compared with the costs associated with tape duplication, storage, mailing, and the personnel required to perform these tasks. Streaming media is well-suited for training purposes.