Netflix

Netflix apparently learned a lesson from others who have been impacted by cloud outages and was thus able to withstand a super-cloud of a different sort when superstorm Sandy--aka the Frankenstorm--roared up and over the East Coast Monday.

Microsoft has joined an illustrious list of companies, including Apple and Google, that are said to be interested in acquiring DVD renter cum video streaming leader Netflix.

Wedbush Securities and comScore data, covered by  Radio & Television Business Report,  said the number of hours people spent watching video on Hulu fell 58 percent to 65 million hours viewed in August.

Even when it does things right these days, Netflix still can't seem to get a break. The online video purveyor announced third quarter earnings of 11 cents--far better than analyst expectations of 4 cents--and still, its stock price dropped by double digits, falling $11.65 to $56.57.

After reporting that Netflix gained 1.16 million U.S. streaming video subscribers during the third quarter, CEO Reed Hastings told investors that he expects HBO to launch a standalone version of HBO Go that would allow viewers to access HBO original series on the Web and mobile devices without having to subscribe to cable or satellite TV.

Which online video services made the biggest impact on consumers in 2012? As the industry expands, it's worth taking a look at some of the providers that are having the biggest impact on this young market—and what their moves might mean for the future.