Ventrilo in Today's Economy

Ventrilo is a proprietary Voice over Internet Protocol method of communication that can be used for many different applications. Most popular with online gaming, the free version of this program can host up to 8 simultaneous connections. The Pro version of the software requires the submission of an application and signing a licensing agreement. Not all applications will be approved to utilize the Pro version of the program, Ventrilo has specific requirements a business must meet prior to authorizing the use of the Pro version. The limits they place on authorizing Pro licenses, which may at first seem like an unnecessary restriction on its sales, is actually a smart business practice. This limitations of free user to 8 simultaneous connections is a good safety device to prevent unauthorized use, copying and unlicensed sales.

Online gamers are not the only group able to take advantage of this program; it is also marketed to business as a means of long distance conferencing and can be used for personal home communications. Many call-in radio talk shows also use this program to handle incoming calls from their listeners. Ventrilo can be used with Windows programs or Mac OSx platforms, but has been found to run in a more versatile mode with Windows based software.

The initial default program has the same sound quality as a regular landline telephone; however, the sound quality is adjustable and is dependent on the speed of the internet connection. Using minimum space on the CPU, Ventrilo has been found to run so as not to interfere with the speed of online gaming programs or day-to-day computer operations.

Ventrilo may find their audience staying stable, if not shrinking slightly, due to the stagnant US and World economy. In order to counteract the economic impact to their business and expand their user base, Ventrilo has moved into sponsoring a NASCAR race car and hosting gaming and computer events. In April 2009, Ventrilo listed itself as a sponsor of the Todd Bodine race car, in July 2009; they sponsored the No. 15 Toyota Camry at Gateway International Raceway and, also in July, became one of the main sponsors for the 2009 QuakeCon. QuakeCon is an annual free convention held in Texas for gamers from all over the world to attend, view new software and programs and compete in world-class tournaments. This year, Ventrilo sponsored the Ultimate PowerUp Sweepstakes, offering the winner a 2010 Ford Mustang as the grand prize.

By presenting itself as the VoIP frontrunner, offering the latest advances and most user friendly programming, Ventrilo should be able to maintain a stable audience and grow new markets. With the surge in online gaming over the last decade or so, Ventrilo is sure to experience growth in sales and usage.