BoxPopuli is a podcasting solution for organizations such as universities, churches and corporations. The idea behind the service is to provide a means to capture and manage podcasts via a Podcast in a Box (PIAB) appliance which records when a USB key is inserted and uploads to a server when it is removed.
This open source product can be easily built into classrooms, conference rooms, lecture halls and the like. Universities such as USC and Farleigh Dickinson College use PIAB in tandem with the Meedu.org hosting service. Students pay $20 per class while instructors getting over 50% of the royalties. It’s less than a textbook, and students can listen to their lectures on their iPods. For 25 PIAB’s and Hosting a university would pay $10,250. The PIAB hardware itself is priced at $2000.
BoxPopuli.com In Their Own Words
“Box Populi empowers organizations to spread their ideas via simple internet broadcasting devices and services.
Box Populi enables anyone to broadcast their message (such as lectures, radio shows or sales talks) to iPod listeners next door or around the world.
Our devices are free to anyone—like colleges, churches, or businesses—and we sell products, server space and support to our customers.”
Why BoxPopuli.com It Might Be A Killer
Box Populi provides an interesting solution to podcast management. It’s open source and it’s ideal for those who want an easy to use product. While you could just as easily buy cheaper software for your laptop, Box Populi is aimed at larger organizations which may not have to resources to train their staff on other software. The price is less than other similar devices and it’s completely integrated.
Some Questions About BoxPopuli.com
Universities usually have their own audio/video systems in place. Would they want to switch? Would students be willing to pay more for the service? Would schools?
