FierceOnlineVideo Leaders - Rajan Raghavan, CEO Nokeena

FierceOnlineVideo got a chance to catch up with Nokeena CEO and Co-founder Rajan Raghavan to talk about the company's progress since it came out of stealth mode about six weeks ago and his thoughts on the online video industry as a whole. Click here for more of our ongoing FierceOnlineVideo Leaders interviews.

FierceOV: Rajan, how has Nokeena progressed since coming out of stealth mode?

Raghavan: We've been busy lining up more customers and having conversations with them about the product. We've also formed some OEM relationships that are developing. I've been surprised to see people using Nokeena for other applications than video delivery, which we initially designed the product for. Our customers are beginning to use our solution for large and small object caching as well, because they feel the technology is better than their current solution. 

FierceOV: What are some challenges you're seeing in the market right now? 

Raghavan: Our biggest challenge is convincing customers to abandon an in-house solution for our product. We've validated in testing with clients that our solution offers between eight and 10 times better server performance, and therefore brings down the cost per stream. The issues then become how to implement it with their other hardware and if they feel they can afford to give up their in-house solution, which often cost them a significant amount.

When we deal with media companies who are interested in our caching ability, we also run into the problem that we don't provide CDN services. We've overcome this issue by partnering with several CDNs so they can leverage our solution with the private delivery network they get with a CDN. 

FierceOV: What sorts of products and updates are you working on currently? 

Raghavan: We're working on a series of enhancements to our platform out in the field based on feedback from customers. We want to make it more manageable and adaptable to industry standards. We've seen good traction with certain verticals, such as universities and ISPs, that want certain functions we're working to provide for their specific needs. 

FierceOV: Where would you like to see Nokeena in a year's time? 

Raghavan: I'd like to see our product widely deployed and gaining traction, so that we can play a key part in the evolution of the online video industry. I'd like to see us deliver even greater quality and performance for our partners and lower the cost of producing and delivering video for content owners. I'd also like to further optimize our infrastructure and quality of experience.

FierceOV: What are some trends that interest you or that you're watching currently in the industry? 

Raghavan: The convergence of the media viewing market is exciting, as managed video, like professionally produced content, is moving to the PC and mobile devices; and at the same time, unmanaged video--like UGC content and original Web series--are moving to the TV. The wall between these forms is really breaking, and that means more video moving to more places, which is having a major impact on our roadmap.