US software firm launches first Welsh language video management system

A US software firm has launched its first video management system in the Welsh language.

Seattle-based Panopto, which provides video management systems to the enterprise and higher education markets, has announced its availability across all of its Windows and Mac applications.

These include Panopto Enterprise, Capture, Remote Recorder, web interface, and its iPhone and Android mobile apps.

The company, which also has offices in Pittsburgh, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Sydney, says this update means that by integrating Panopto into services, Welsh public bodies can meet their obligation, as set out by the Welsh Language Act 1993, to treat Welsh and English on an equal basis.

Peter Ingle, vice president of sales EMEA at Panopto, said: “We’re proud to be the first and only video management system provider that supports Welsh institutions in providing services to their customers and users in both English and their local language.”

The latest software development has been made possible through the firm’s work with Welsh institutional customers, such as Cardiff University, and Swansea University.

‘Welcome’ 

Tony Lancaster, digital education manager at Cardiff University, said: “We very much welcome the recent announcement regarding the development of a Welsh language interface for Panopto.

“Cardiff University’s strategic partnership with Panopto has been key to recognizing the specific linguistic and cultural context in Wales which is fundamental to the support of Welsh-medium academic provision and bilingual student experience.”

“We have been impressed with Panopto since we rolled it out as a service in Summer 2020. It has proved an invaluable service, with most teaching having to take place remotely.

“Panopto’s capabilities and intuitive user interface have enabled us to provide our students with a best-in-class digital learning environment, which far surpasses our previous provision,” said Karen Perrins, learning and teaching facilities manager at Swansea University.

Swansea University has also deployed Panopto in Welsh. “The team at Panopto continue to respond to our requirements and we are very pleased that Swansea University can now offer all students the same unmatched learning experience with a Welsh and English interface,” said Perrins.