LeCloud, the cloud computing and data processing arm of Chinese tech giant LeEco, on Thursday introduced its cloud ecosystem based upon the mode of VaaS, Video-as-a-Service. It is useful in six main scenarios, with 21 VaaS products and services.
“Eyes and ears contribute a lot to our perception of the world – that’s why we make videos our focus,” said the chairman of LeCloud, Yang Yongqiang.
The six scenarios where VaaS can be applied are:
1. Cloud resources: it offers cloud storage, and speeds up the display of videos-on-demand (VODs), downloading, and live-streaming. Over the past year, LeCloud has increased the number of its content delivery networks (CDN) from 600 to 750, covering more than 60 countries and regions. Its content can therefore reach even more end-users.
2. Cloud videos: it supports VODs as well as live-streaming via PCs, mobile devices, VR headsets, and satellite broadcasting. Digital rights management (DRM) technologies are used to control or prevent digital copies from being shared without consent. Artificial intelligence is applied to filter illegal video contents. According to LeCloud, it has live-streamed over a thousand events in the past year.
3. Cloud applications: it “cloudizes” enterprises, and assists media organizations to make their operations more efficient. LeCloud claims that its product “Yunkuaidi”, or “cloud express”, makes transferring a file across the Pacific 100 times faster than before.
4. Cloud distribution: it allows enterprise users to make live-streaming interactive, so that viewers can answer real-time questions or, in case of a debate, vote to support a debater and send virtual gifts. LeCloud is connected to thousands of distributing channels ranging from portals including NetEase Entertainment and Weibo, to video-streaming platforms such as Youku Tudou and Bilibili. Facebook and Youtube are included as well.
5. Cloud marketing: it helps enterprises display videos on the internet, at stadiums, and even in theaters and via outdoor big screens – this may reach a potential of 470 million active users. For instance, if Mercedes-Benz is to introduce a new car, the car’s press release can be live-streamed in 4S shops nationwide and reach screens on streets, buses, subways, trains, and even ships and airplanes.
6. Cloud data services: it searches, collects, and analyzes data for enterprise users. In addition, cloud security is ensured with the use of products and services such as a web application firewall (WAF).
LeCloud launched earlier this March its Series A financing of RMB one billion (USD 150.77 million), pushing its valuation to RMB seven billion; and the Series A+ is already underway.
Up till now, LeCloud has submitted nearly 700 patent applications. Its industrial cloud solutions have covered 25 industries including media, education, finance and sports, and have served about 110,000 enterprise users around the globe.
(Top photo from Baidu images.)