Infonetics Research, a data networking research firm, reports that the worldwide revenue from Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) exceeded $400 million in 2005. IPTV use in North America is expected to grow dramatically over the next several years so that by 2009, the number of IPTV users will be forty times as high as in 2005. This robust growth bodes well for computer programming and other Internet-based technology jobs.
YouTube: A Video Catalyst
Internet video is growing just as rapidly. Google recently snapped up YouTube, a free streaming video Web site, for $1.65 billion. Many news Web sites are including video reports with their written commentary. Music, movie, and television fans can now watch video clips of their favorite music videos, films, and shows online. As more people in the United States turn to their Internet connections for the entertainment that television used to provide, the prospects for careers in IPTV and Internet video look bright.
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Internet Protocol Television Simplified
IPTV allows digital television to reach customers using Internet Protocol and a network structure rather than the usual cable connections. It can be played on any device that can connect to the Internet, such as computers, iPods, cell phones, and televisions equipped with a special connector box. IPTV allows customers to choose from a much larger channel selection than cable television offers. It can work using a broadband Internet connection, so as telecommunications companies bring broadband service to more people, IPTV use will have more opportunity to grow.
IPTV companies need computer programmers and network administrators who can help them to expand their businesses. Computer programmers create the software used by the IPTV companies to disperse their content. Network administrators set up and oversee IPTV networks to make sure that they are working correctly. Both computer programmers and network administrators should be very familiar with industry standard networking protocols such as IPv4 and IPv6.
Training for Computer Programmers and Network Administrators
If you are interested in either of these career paths, it is essential that you earn your bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, computer programming, or network administration. Internships at companies that make or utilize IPTV technology can make you much more desirable to future employers. Because this field is so new and growing so fast, any real-world experience you can offer employers should really pay off. Internet video and television is an exciting new technology sector, and, with the right training, you can find yourself right in the middle of it as it grows and changes.
Sources:
"Google to Acquire YouTube for $1.65 Billion"—NYTimes.com"Hitwise Data Shows Overall Visits to Video Search Sites Up 164%"—Hitwise.com
"IPTV equipment sales hit $400M in 2005, set to top $6B in 2009"—Infonetics Research
