To say that video online is a massive market opportunity with many folks running for it is an understatement. So we won’t go into yet another analysis of the market, its potential and what is happening. There are enough commentaries. Video is growing, it’s here to stay. The major issues behind the rush for catching online video space are actually bandwidth requirements and enabling transactions through a video - monetizing them. In most cases, this has meant a corporate website with a product video, then you can go to the shopping site. Too cumbersome and too many steps. Until now.

Israeli start-up Qoof (pro; Koof) may have found an answer. We’ve done some testing and looked at the product from a technical integration aspect. Excellent on all counts. The key factors being speed, maintaining quality of sound and image, and no hardware to buy. It’s a perfect Web 2.0 application. Simply download and off you go. They have a shopping channel integrated through partners and you can leverage affiliate marketing as well. You are locked into their network at this time, but one has to think that will change. They take a cut of sales along the way. Not a bad business model and at small percentages to increase sales, this is good.

Qoof will do even better once they figure out how to leverage mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPod touch and BlackBerry.

This is an interesting new application. I find few downsides and you’re likely to see more product sales as a result of video versus standard text. Perhaps Qoof will start their own version of the Shopping Channel? We find this a useful marketing tool to put in your mix.