YouTube proves the value of Internet video. But what if you could build the infrastructure for live video, broadcast from camera phones (like the Motorola Q or Palm Treo 700w), and embed GPS tracking data frame-by-frame as a bonus? That's exactly what ComVu's done with its PocketCaster solution. OK, so you're probably thinking this is cute for embedding videos into personal Web pages and blogs -- but it has litt OK, so you’re probably thinking this is cute for embedding videos into personal Web pages and blogs — but it has little place in the enterprise world. After looking at various ComVu products, I can say for sure that’s not the case. Fundamentally, the company’s developed an elegant back-end distribution system that connects to the Internet backbone of 10 tier-1 global ISPs — plus sophisticated software running on the phone. Just set up an account, load up the PocketCaster software, and hit the Start button. Your video’s streamed to ComVu over the wireless data network (Wi-Fi, 3G, GPRS, BGAN), optimized for viewing, and also archived. Subscribers receive instant notification of the Webcast (via e-mail, IM, RSS, or SMS) which is viewed on desktop systems or mobile devices.So fast-forward and consider how enterprises and agencies are already leveraging this self-service streaming. Security is one obvious application. A guard dispatched in response to a break-in alarm immediately goes live and broadcasts video to the proper authorities. Or, insurance adjusters transmit and archive videos of accidents or disasters. What makes these situations even more convincing is ComVu’s automatic Geotagging. Real-time GPS coordinates embedded with the video (which sync up to a map available in a secondary Web window) would be very difficult to fake — making this solution significant for investigative purposes and priceless in life-and-death emergency situations. Internet video has undeniably changed the broadcast and cable industry, with viewers expecting instant coverage of breaking news. Here, too, ComVu plays an important role. In the pivotal minutes while TV crews race to a scene and setup a remote broadcast an on-site reporter (or citizen journalist) could be sending live video.Even in less spectacular circumstances, there are other business uses I see. PocketCaster Pro (currently in beta) runs on a laptop or Ultra Mobile PC. Using a Webcam or DV cam, you could broadcast from client events or seminars; the service’s security lets you restrict the audience (or potentially charge for viewing). Lastly, Mobile Video Studio (also in beta), would be a fine fit for corporate or media Websites. Like a traditional broadcast studio, you preview multiple live feeds (or archives) and select the one for Web viewing. ComVu Mobile Video Studio Availability: PocketCaster currently shipping; Pro version and Studio in beta. Pricing: Starts at $10 per month for individual accounts to $50,000 for Mobile Video Studio. Verdict: ComVu ups the value of camera phones as business tools. One-button transmission of live video, embedded GPS data, and archiving have broad appeal, but should especially interest security firms, insurance companies, and the broadcast industry. Technology Industry