Intelligent Enterprise

Did you notice the new video player (top right) on our home page? This isn't just a better user interface, it's connected to a all-new video delivery infrastructure for TechWeb (the parent company of IntelligentEnterprise.com). This service, from an outfit called Brightcove, brings you a higher-quality viewing experience as well as faster and easier control over what you're watching.

I've sometimes gritted my teeth as TechWeb (formerly CMP) has evolved its video capabilities over the last few years. Do you remember "The News Show" with John Soat? That was our first foray into video, and I managed to contribute about a dozen segments to that show before we moved on to the next-generation initiative. Many people loved that daily program, but what people don't like, regardless of the content, is the push approach in which videos automatically start playing with audio on. This new player puts all the control in your hands. There's still room for improvement (we could use longer descriptive headlines, for example), but I think we're getting better and better at delivering thoughtful and informative content in video form. With this is mind, I thought I'd share my top-five list of IE-reader-relevant videos:

5. Starting to See the Value of Software as a Service - customer thoughts on the advantages of SaaS as captured at a recent WorkDay event.

4. Database in the Cloud = Rich Internet App Platform – Quickbase meets Adobe Flex to create a RIA development environment with access to cloud-based data.

3. Dataupia Offers Scalable Data Warehouse - an inside look at the appliance vendor's strategy and technology.

2. Real-Time Data Analysis from Truviso – This interesting startup explains its real-time BI and data streaming technology.

1. What it Will Take to End Global Warming – my top pick (and a big hit on YouTube) is Saul Griffith's proactive and unique take on the environmental challenges ahead. It's a fascinating analysis that gives you a real sense of the scale of the problem and what you can do about it.