Microsoft launches Stream, a new business oriented video sharing service

Arif Bacchus

Microsoft has just launched Microsoft Stream, a new business-oriented video sharing service. The new service aims to give businesses the ability to share internal videos in the same flexibility of which YouTube already offers, with the security benefits of Azure Active Directory, a recognized leader in identity management systems.

The service is currently available as a free preview, and all you need to sign up is a business email address. The user interface of Stream, meanwhile, is similar to that of preexisting streaming services and involves social features such as compatibility with various devices, uploads, a trending section, comments, and tags. There could also be many uses for this service, with video training and employee communications highlighting the possible uses. Regardless, the aim of the service is to enable business users to harness the power of video to achieve more at work.

Stream Preview Dashboard
Stream Preview Dashboard

Microsoft’s corporate VP of Business Intelligence Products Group compares the service to Office 365 Video and concludes:

Microsoft Stream builds upon the learnings success of Office 365 Video and over time the two experiences will converge with a seamless migration to ensure a consistent experience both within and outside of Office 365.”

Since the service is similar to Office 365 Video (which launched two years ago), it is worth noting that during the preview of Microsoft Stream there will be no changes to the Office 365 Video experience. Over time, however, the two experiences will converge, making Stream the de facto video experience in Office 365. Additionally, Microsoft is noting that more details on future enhancements and user updates closer to general availability of the Microsoft Stream service will be shared over time.

We would love to know how your business might use this service. Will it be used for employee training? Sharing important videos? Let us know your thoughts, comments, or suggestions on this latest Microsoft service by dropping us a comment below!