IBM Acquires Cloud-Based Video Provider To Gain Larger Slice of $105 Billion Market

IBM said it acquired Ustream, which provides cloud-based live and on-demand video streaming services to 80 million viewers every month, for an undisclosed sum. Ustream, whose customers include The Discovery Channel, Facebook, NASA, Nike and Samsung, will become part of IBM's Cloud Video Services unit, the company said in a Thursday news release. IBM said the new unit will target the estimated $105 billion cloud-based video services and software market, which includes webcasts, conference keynotes, training and education, webinars and how-to videos. IBM said it will provide a portfolio of "video services that spans open API [application programming interface] development, digital and visual analytics, simplified management and consistent delivery across global industries."