Should Hopin invest in developing its own video streaming technology or continue relying on third-party integrations?

Introduction

The key trade-off we're examining is whether Hopin should invest in developing its own video streaming technology or continue relying on third-party integrations. This decision is critical for Hopin's future as a virtual events platform, impacting its technical capabilities, user experience, and market positioning. I'll analyze this trade-off by examining the product context, potential impacts, key metrics, and experimental approaches to inform a strategic recommendation.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on Hopin's rapid growth, I'm thinking video quality might be a key differentiator. Could you share how our current video performance compares to competitors?

Why it matters: Helps assess the urgency of developing proprietary technology Expected answer: Performance is adequate but lags behind some competitors Impact on approach: If significantly behind, might prioritize in-house development

• Considering our business model, I assume video streaming is central to our revenue. What percentage of our revenue is directly tied to video-based features?

Why it matters: Determines the financial impact of this decision Expected answer: 70-80% of revenue is video-related Impact on approach: High percentage would justify larger investment

• Looking at user behavior, I'm curious about the most common pain points. What are the top 3 video-related issues reported by our users?

Why it matters: Identifies key areas for improvement Expected answer: Latency, scalability during peak times, integration issues Impact on approach: Would focus development efforts on these specific areas

• Regarding our technical capabilities, do we currently have the in-house expertise to develop video streaming technology?

Why it matters: Assesses feasibility and potential timeline Expected answer: Limited expertise, would require significant hiring Impact on approach: Might favor continued third-party integration in short-term

• Considering our growth trajectory, what's our projected user base in the next 2-3 years?

Why it matters: Helps determine if current solutions can scale Expected answer: Expecting 3-4x growth Impact on approach: Rapid growth might necessitate more control over core technology