As new technology goes, streaming media is at the cusp of emerging into the mainstream as an integral part of the Internet revolution. Like any other novel technology, streaming media has had and is currently experiencing obstacles and impediments along the way to acceptance similar to other 20th century inventions such as the radio, television, or even the first computers.

All inventions are usually actualized in a scientific environment like a lab. After their conception, they are proudly displayed on pedestals and taken everywhere and anywhere that provides the inventors a chance to boast and gloat. The real challenge has yet to begin though, for it is imperative to shift a technology from exclusivity into inclusiveness. In other words, the goal is ubiquity, just like the TV. This is how the electronic gadgets and the crazy schemes conjured up with it go mainstream-every household must have one, many industries must employ its usage, and businesses must depend on it in order to survive.

Today, the streaming media foundation for mainstream acceptance is well under way. First of all, it has gained widespread popularity from developers and business leaders alike to many Internet end users. This interest will only spark greater creativity in developing novel streaming applications for today and the near future. Second of all, Internet connection speeds, a very important factor when dealing with transmitting streaming data, is almost in place in terms of higher connection speeds. With broadband just around the corner and cable modem connections that exceed traditional dial-up modems by multiple factors, streaming media is ready to take the Internet and world by storm.