Apple/Google Update: Swiss American Securities Says No Statement Made About Apple

Swiss American Securities just called me after reading my blog post to let me know that they have no record of anyone at Swiss American Securities saying that Apple plans to drop Akamai and switch to Google for their content delivery.

Many analysts all sent me the same supposed quote this morning from Swiss American Securities but interestingly enough, no one seems to know where the quote actually came from, who said it, and where it was first reported.

Another reason why I am glad I am not a financial analyst. Way too much speculation without facts.

Apple Dropping Akamai's CDN In Favor Of Google? I Don't Buy It

That's the question that dozens of people have been speculating on and asking me about this morning. Swiss American Securities, a division of Credit Suisse is saying that it has learned that Apple will no longer use Akamai. They see Apple dumping Akamai for a Google-based content distribution network and expect Apple to announce that next week at Macworld.

I don't have any details on this "rumor" either way, but I highly doubt it and don't believe the information. Apple has spent many years working with Akamai to get the iTunes service down to a science and Akamai has a large infrastructure in place specifically for delivering live QuickTime content. I don't see Google building out a QuickTime infrastructure and supporting the kind of delivery Apple needs. I know many will say they are Google, they can build anything they want. Yes, they can, to a degree. But what would Google get from delivering Apple's content? How does this tie into Google's core advertising business? And what does Apple get from this? Maybe a lower price but it would have to be more than that for Apple to move CDN providers.

I just don't buy it. I don't see any value that Google or Apple would get from doing this. Now Apple could work with Google on some video initiatives and partner on things for the iPhone, Apple TV and what not, that would not surprise anyone. But replacing Akamai for Google for all of its content delivery, I don't see the rationale.

There was an Apple RFP out in the market a few months back for some CDN business, but it was not for all of their content, was not a large deal and from what I understand, Apple pretty recently re-signed with Akamai.

Free Product Giveaway: TiVo Series 2 DVR

UPDATE: Drawing is now closed. Tom Russo was selected as the winner using a random number picker website.

I have a brand new TiVo Series 2 DVR that TiVo sent me that I no longer need as I have upgraded to Verizon's FiOS TV service with their DVR. The unit records 80 hours and is brand new, with remote, but not with the original box or manual. No service is included, you will need to pay the monthly TiVo service fee.

To qualify to win the unit, all you have to do is leave one comment on this post with a working e-mail address. I will pick one user a week from today using a random number picker website and ship it out to the winner at no cost.

If any company is interested in getting exposure for their video related product on my blog and is willing to give away the product, contact me. I will post pictures of the product, link to the company website and either write a product review or link to other reviews on the web. It's great exposure on a blog that does over 300,000 page views a month.

Looking To Hire Co-Chair For Streaming Media East and West Conferences

Over the past few years, the Streaming Media East and West shows have been growing nicely for us on all fronts and in particular the conference side of the business. We now produce three major shows each year in NY, CA and London. Combined, these shows average over 300 speakers and 75+ sessions that I have to develop programming for.

I am looking to hire someone who is interested in helping me plan and shape the conference agenda for the NY and CA shows and be a co-chair of the show. This is a highly visibility position which will put you in front of a lot of industry people, get you major exposure and give you first-hand experience in what it takes to produce a major conference. You will also have an opportunity to help educate and shape the industry based on the agenda you help develop.

The work involves helping to plan and write session topics, organize and outline the major subjects that need to be covered, invite and confirm speakers, work with moderators and helping with online marketing and promotion. It's the type of job ideal for someone who wants more exposure in the industry, has industry contacts, knows what the hot topics are and is not afraid of speaking in front of an audience. I am looking for someone who loves this industry as much as I do and takes pride in wanting to help educate and grow the industry for everyone's benefit.

This is a part-time opportunity and can be done remotely. The majority of the work is done within a month's time frame and then there is a lot of follow up work for a few months until the show. It's mostly lots of e-mails and some phone calls.

If you are interested, please reach out to me and let me know in detail what your expertise is. Please keep in mind, this is the type of job that you have to love to do in order to program a really great conference. You don't need to eat, sleep and breathe online video as much as I do, but you really have to be into it or else it shows in the program.

I am constantly asked by people how I got my name out there, how I branded myself and what it took to get involved in so many facets of the online video industry. This is a great opportunity for the right person to start to brand themselves if you are organized, write well, have the pulse of the industry and are good at doing smart marketing and promotion. If that is you, please contact me.