More and more people are starting to use podcasts on a regular basis and they are fast becoming de rigour for both the young and old. The rise of the portable MP3 player and computers has made podcasts readily accessible for people to listen to them at their leisure. But what are these podcasts anyway?

A podcast in basic terms is just an audio file that is sent to a user via the Internet in a RSS or Atom feed. Users are then free to pick and choose when they want to listen to a podcast and can even download them to store and listen to when they are ready.

Podcasting saw its origins in 2003 where MP3 files were distributed through RSS but it was in 2004 where the term podcasting was first coined. A combination of iPod™ and broadcasting, podcasting was used to describe audioblogs. From then on, the use and evolution of podcasting has continued to rise with it now becoming the mainstream.

Podcasting works in the same way as a standard RSS or Atom feeder and the only difference between them is that the podcast contains an audio file. This means that instead of reading the feed, you listen to it via your chosen media player. It is quite common nowadays for websites to display links that take the user directly to a particular podcast feed.

Setting up a podcast can be made easy by utilising the services of a streaming company. These companies can offer video and audio solutions that can be delivered exactly as you want it too and give full advice on the best ways; podcasting can be implemented leaving only the content to be focused on.

One company that can do all this and more besides is Streaming Tank. They provide full podcasting solutions not to mention a host of live streaming, webcasting and on demand media as well as video email and banners, etc. Podcasting is implemented through the Akami infrastructure in a cost effective manner while at the same time, delivering to a target audience no matter whether big or small.

To further enhance the service, a near unlimited storage and bandwidth is available should it be needed. Also, Streaming Tank can supply video podcasts if required across their global server network ensuring that the target audience will receive their podcast to listen to or watch at their leisure.

To find out more about Streaming Tank, streaming video or podcasting, visit the website at www.streamingtank.com.