Streaming servers will make the user wait for 5 to 8 seconds before anything
happens. "file-served" video is instant. "http-served" video depends on
downloading.
Accessing parts of the file causes the same delay in streaming services, no
delay in file-served services, and no delay, once the video file has been
downloaded in "http."
A solid network (switched 100BaseT) can easily support file shared services for
two dozen and more users.
The cheapest solution is a dual processor Windows 2000 server that can be built
from scratch with MS Software for about $1500 excluding the hard drives. They
seem to be rocksolid (except for hacker attacks...) for resource center needs.
Another choice would be a dual processor Apple G4 (the 500mHz machines are
fine!) with Apple's OSX Server Software - similar solid and less prone to
Hacker attacks!).
WE are running both here.
Both platforms serve PCs and Macs and more, in all three formats.
We are running the QuickTime streaming server on both platforms and on Linux.