title: How can I stream cross-platform video without using RealServer (Helix) and Real Player?
body: <p>For years we've been using RealNetworks' Helix server to serve streaming video courses.</p>
  <p>It has been a pretty reliable solution up until now.</p>
  <p>As of late, our support calls due to RealPlayer issues has gone from 2 or 3 a week (mostly PEBKAC or firewall issues) to up to about 10 a day.</p>
  <p>I've been arguing to dump Real in favour of something else, but I really need to put together a proposal.</p>
  <h3>Requirements:</h3>
  <ol>
  <li><p>Streaming, not download and play.</p>
  </li>
  <li><p>Clickable bookmarks embedded in the video (Real Text);</p>
  </li>
  <li><p>Able to handle about 100 simultaneous connections.</p>
  </li>
  <li><p>Able to recognize authentication from another server on the same network.</p>
  </li>
  </ol>
  <h3>Constraints:</h3>
  <ol>
  <li><p>Small, free (as in beer)
  client/player (i.e. No embedded
  itunes!)</p>
  </li>
  <li><p>Platform independence of client/player (player must be
  available to windows/mac/linux)</p>
  </li>
  </ol>
  <p>What should I look for when evaluating products?</p>