More importantly, Avacaster requires little or nothing in the way of additional equipment. The CPU requirements are low, so the client runs on most existing hardware. No high-end workstations are necessary, nor are state-of-the-art classroom studios. "If you ask the schools that are using our system today," says Terrell, "I think you'll find that very little additional spending is required, although the temptation to buy more gear is always hard to resist. Several of our customers have impressive mini-studios, or bought packet-shaping routers, or things like that. None of this is absolutely required."
Stapleton confirms this, reporting "no additional costs." All they needed was "a static IP address and [their existing] QuickTime server for our streams." 21st Century's faculty teach from home with but a Webcam and a Macintosh G3 laptop running OS X. Stapleton likes Logitech's $99 QuickCam for Notebooks Pro for video input. "It has a built-in mic and works terrifically."
Boznos highlights Avacaster's scalability as a key advantage relative to a schools' needs and resources. "It all depends on the organization and what their goals are. We have set up Webcams and encoders on crash carts that are wheeled into computer labs for almost no cost. We've also seen entire Webcasting studios built out for fast growing distance education programs."
PERSONAL TUTORING
Choctaw Nation already had some experience in Webcasting prior to Avacast. Unfortunately, Coston explains, "Our previous system was orphaned when its company went bankrupt," leaving them with an understandably jaundiced eye toward Webcasting startups. And so when they sought a replacement, customer service was a key criterion. Choctaw's Wayne Coston is downright effusive about the difference with Avacast, and considers them to be more of a partner than a provider. He cites the "helpful response of their staff when we inquired about the product," and the ability to get support whenever they need it just by calling them up.
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