NETWORK FOUNDATION TECHNOLOGIES
Like all successful businesses, Network Foundation Technologies (NFT) began with a good idea.
Dr. Mike O'Neal, director of the computer science department at Louisiana Tech University, had the idea several years ago while on sabbatical.
"We are trying to bring television to the Internet," O'Neal said. "The reason we don't have television on the Internet now is that it costs too much. Every time a person tunes in to watch a video online, it adds to the cost that the broadcaster has to bear. What we do at NFT is when people watch a broadcast, their computer and Internet connection help to pass that broadcast on to other people. So the costs of delivering a broadcast are shared by the people who are interested in watching it."
While O'Neal saw great potential in the idea, his partner, NFT President and Co-founder Marcus Morton, saw promise in the market for such a technology. Morton envisions a not-too-distant future when the Internet is the sole method for delivery of all audio and video. He says software developed by NFT will drastically reduce bandwidth cost, which is the primary hurdle preventing broadcasters from streaming live 24 hours a day.
Dr. Mike O'Neal, director of the computer science department at Louisiana Tech University, had the idea several years ago while on sabbatical.
"We are trying to bring television to the Internet," O'Neal said. "The reason we don't have television on the Internet now is that it costs too much. Every time a person tunes in to watch a video online, it adds to the cost that the broadcaster has to bear. What we do at NFT is when people watch a broadcast, their computer and Internet connection help to pass that broadcast on to other people. So the costs of delivering a broadcast are shared by the people who are interested in watching it."
NFT currently has one U.S. patent issued and five patents pending, and expects to grow from 11 to 40 employees and reach annual sales of $100 million over the next two years. This is thanks in part to the business climate in Louisiana, as well as the most aggressive business incentive package in the nation's history.
Morton said the Ruston-based company also owes a great deal to Louisiana Tech and the skilled workforce it supplies NFT.
"We're taking advantage of the Angel Tax Incentive program," Morton said. "It gives the investor up to 50 percent of their investment back over five years. It's an incredible program. We're also looking at the Quality Jobs program."
"We truly believe that with the quality schools of Louisiana Tech, LSU, Lafayette and all the other great schools that graduate engineers, there's plenty of educated people here to advance an infrastructure for high technology and have what would be the equivalent to the Silicon Valley - the Silicon Bayou."
Discover the story behind several businesses that are thriving in Louisiana.
Sign up today for the LED BusinessWire to receive the latest news about Louisiana business and economic development.
