The royal wedding may grind your office to a halt
While you may not be sick of royal wedding coverage just yet … okay, you’re probably sick of royal wedding coverage.
But what can we say? Whether we dig the romance or not, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s union may just be the most talked-about event of this decade when the 2010s are through.
And while there are plenty of business links to the wedding – the U.K. was granted an extra three-day weekend for the ceremony, for instance, a move that may cost the British economy a reported $9.9 million in lost productivity – here’s one that hits closer to home: this Friday, Kate Middleton may grind your office to a halt.
That’s what Andrew Rubin, CEO of network optimization firm Cymtec, is warning the world’s workplaces, and he’s not just talking about employees huddled around the office TV.
With news that major Internet players like YouTube and MSN will live stream the wedding online, chances are your office bandwidth will suffer as if March Madness, the Obama inauguration and ten Super Bowls are happening at once. Remember: two billion people are expected to watch this thing, according to the CBC, and while the bulk of that figure will catch the wedding on TV, an estimated 400 million will watch online – a large portion of which, Rubin says, will be employees tuning in on their work computers.
It’ll be a “nightmare for companies that rely on the Internet,” Rubin tells the Financial Post. “The sheer volume of people watching this at work, steaming it live at their desk, is going to be staggering.”
For the record, much of Canada will still be in bed or the Tim Hortons drive-thru by the time Will and Kate exchange their vows (the wedding begins at 10 a.m. London time), but with the promise of multiple re-airs, the ceremony and subsequent procession should still cause a formidable amount of web traffic.
If Rubin has his way, he details in a lengthy press release, companies will prepare for such a bandwidth blitz.
His best idea? Plan a viewing party at your office: “The strain on the corporate network will be tremendous if people stream the footage … To avoid this, set up one computer and projector in a big conference room to stream the event for the group.”
Will you keep up with royal wedding coverage at your office on Friday?
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
*Follow Jason on Twitter here.
Posted by: Chip | Apr 26, 2021 12:35:53 PM
No doubt... 90%+ of those watching this farce from the office will be WOMEN. They'll want to see how pretty Kate's dress is and who the designer is... whether she's wearing a veil, a tiara, blah blah blah... if she's wearing her hair up or down and what kind of jewellry she's sporting. Then, all these wannabee Cinderellas and desperate housewives will yap and yap about it 'til they're ready to head back home... after a hard day's work. Then the next day, they'll yap and yap about it some more at least up to mid-morning coffee break. Katie will probably last as long as Fergie and Diana did... pop out a few kids and then leave with a few $$$. Typical Princess !! Snow White should be turning in her grave by now.
Posted by: Trixie | Apr 26, 2021 4:25:29 PM
Well, I can see Chip is not married. Ha,ha.
Yes, I will be getting up at 5 a.m. to watch the Royal Wedding of the Century, and yes, my work is going to get put on "hold" for 1/2 a day. However, why ever not?? What is wrong with watching someone in a dreamy, fantasy wedding?? What is wrong with finally having an "event" to put a smile on many faces? Someone (Kate) finally got her Prince. I"m very happy for her! Good luck to both Prince William and his future Princess!
Posted by: Steve | Apr 26, 2021 5:42:05 PM
The Queen is the Head of the British Military right? Taken in that light, this should be the cheapest, most productive, most beneficial least harmful event overseen buy a military leader either this year or last.
Additionally, as much as people might dislike either the institution of Marriage or the Monarchy Kate has demonstrated that not every woman will sell out her partner (or ex-partner's) private life at the first sign of relationship difficulties regardless how many blank cheques are waved.
IF nothing else that demonstrates that it still possible to instill values in one's children even in 'this day and age'.
I'm not going to follow this event, but it is much much much better than the American coronations every four years.
Posted by: Mia | Apr 27, 2021 1:12:59 PM
For all the men out there...I'm sure if this was a huge HOCKEY event, no one would be concerned with the loss of productivity in the office or elsewhere!!!!
Its nice to see fairy tales unfold in real life...so few left in life...
All the best Kate and Will
Posted by: Req | Apr 27, 2021 1:24:30 PM
My workplace will not be watching it. I may catch a bit on youtube in my spare time though.
Because the wedding will be playing so early in Ontario, I will probably catch it on CBC when they replay it over and over:) So very excited about seeing the wedding, but I will watch it in the comfort of my own home in a repeat viewing.
Posted by: jojo | Apr 27, 2021 3:09:03 PM
I am a WOMAN and MARRIED and totally agree with CHIP!!! I will not be watching this!! I am happy for the couple itself but do not care to know any further!!! I would rather watch a curling match lolll
Posted by: way to go... | Apr 27, 2021 3:53:57 PM
Chip, I can't stop laughing, you sound like my brother who is a confirmed bachelor/borderline hermit and he couldn't have said it better himself !
Posted by: mastora | Apr 27, 2021 5:47:49 PM
Just like his father prince charles, Williams wedding will end up in divorce...will they broadcast that live as well? I will sure tune in for that rather than this petty love story... the men and women at my workplace have started a betting pool to see how long this wedding will last
Posted by: Tamaira | Apr 27, 2021 10:57:20 PM
It really makes no difference to me who gets up at 5am to watch this day unfold while still wearing their PJs and who sleeps until 8am before going to work for the day.
But what I can't wrap my head around is the fact that given the insanely high divorce rates in the world people would be so cruel as to doom this marriage from the get go...and even start a betting pool!
As someone who took that walk down the aisle 6 months ago I know how hard a new marriage can be, and lets face it, these two have more stress and eyes on them than most young couples. Not to mention an entire nation waiting on them to start popping out babies (and I thought my mom and 2 mother-in-laws was stressful!)
So if the mention of "Will & Kate" doesn't exactly give you "the warm fuzzies" thats fine, but why put more negativity into the world? Besides...if you are not interested in this affair why would you take time out of your day to both read and comment on this article?
PS...Chip, you were clearly give a fitting name, as it would appear you have a rather large "chip" on your shoulder. I'd be shocked if a "true romantic" like you were still single *note the sarcasm*
Posted by: John | Apr 27, 2021 11:27:14 PM
No, I will not be watching this wedding, and certainly not during working hours. I get paid to work, not watch some wedding of a coouple that I do not even know. I have a life. I certainly don't need to see a fairy tale wedding between filthy rich people to put a smile on my face. And to Mia, if it were a hockey game, the biggest ever in history, I WOULD NOT WATCH IT DURING WORKING HOURS, PERIOD!
Posted by: Chip | Apr 28, 2021 2:08:55 AM
Mia... you said it quite succinctly. It's a girly fairy tale... much like those soap operas, Desperate Housewives, Real Housewives of Orange County, the Bachelorette, Extreme Makeover, Oprah... blah blah blah many of the female persuasion are soooo ewnamored with. The exact type of cerebral exercise you might enjoy. All the wannabee Cinderellas and fashionistas will be going (Lady) Ga-Ga over this overblown, overexposed, overpriced piece of Royal krap. Make sure you're hugging your Barbie doll and admonishing Ken for being such a hockey jock. And after your daughter(s) gets over Justin Bieber... tell her to cross the pond and find herself a rich prince to fulfill her lifelong fantasies. Heyyy... you never know, maybe Katie Princessy will solve world peace.
Posted by: Chip | Apr 28, 2021 2:15:54 AM
BTW... Thanks jojo... someone with a sense of herself and not living her life through concocted fantasies. Trixie... love your sense of humour !! Way-to-go... glad you enjoyed mine; others obviously don't understand sarcasm. Tamaira... hope you ALSO enjoyed my sarcasm... come back and talk to me after your 6 months of married "bliss" actually reaches 26-36-46 years.
Posted by: Chip | Apr 28, 2021 2:28:54 AM
Weddings flowers, Wedding dresses, Swarovski or Waterford crystal patterns & registries, hairdoos, makeovers, color coordinated decorations, frillies and pretties and all the whoop-de-doo surrounding such events are for the chick factory. For the vast majority of men... it's a PARTY. The father-in-law (when applicable) pays for the booze and the food, then... let's get nailed. wink wink !! Meet me in Vegas !!
Posted by: Trixie | Apr 28, 2021 8:09:36 AM
Let me get a few things straight for all those non-royals out there.
Some say this marriage will turn out like Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Does anyone realize that Prince Charles married Lady Diana because she was a virgin and they needed a proven line of heritage for the throne?? Yes, I realize those days are gone now, but THAT is why Lady Diana was literally "chosen" by Prince Charles and Camilla too (btw). Now, Prince Charles is apparently very happily married to the woman he always loved, Camilla.
To those sarcastic ones out there, I realize we have a very high divorce rate and statiscally, there's a chance this marriage won't last. However, I believe Prince William has learned some lessons from his father. He dated 8 years before popping the question and let the media know that he gave Kate every chance to "get out" if she wanted to.
As for Chip's comment about the father-in-law paying, when applicable, it has been stated that the Middleton's ARE helping with this wedding that the royal family (not the taxpayers) are paying for. (The taxpapers are only paying for security, and since it's the commoner causing the security risks, they SHOULD pay for security.)
The Middleton's are self-made millionaires who started a company called 'Pary Pieces." (Wouldn't the rest of us be so lucky as to come up with a brilliant idea and make millions from it. Maybe we are a little jealous??) My belief is, if any marriage is going to make it in today's society, it is going to be this one!
Posted by: Chip | Apr 28, 2021 12:23:08 PM
Trixie... I certainly understand why Camilla would still be a virgin !!! LOL As for being a non-royal... hold on, let me check the family tree. Krap... I was "that" close. As for the royal family (or Middletons) paying for the wedding, let's see here, who pays for the upkeep of the Royal family and their jewels, servants and estates ?? The taxpayers !!! Last time I checked, Lizzie, her ancestors, her sons, her dauighters, or their sons and daughters haven't pulled in too many 9-5 shifts !!
Posted by: Chip | Apr 28, 2021 12:44:07 PM
As for the Middletons being self-made millionaires because of their party plate and party hats mail order business called Party Pieces... uhhhh... maybe not. They were both flight attendants directors for British Airways before they married. The majority of their (HIS) wealth was inherited... they didn't become millionaires by selling children's party hats and streamers online. Their "company" employs 8 people... not exactly a conglomerate. Furthermore, the company's finances are NOT public. Inherited does NOT equate to self-made. Go to famewatcher.com/kate-middletons-family-background.html for more info about The Middletons.
Posted by: Trixie | Apr 28, 2021 2:06:24 PM
God Chip, you obviously are not good with your royalty. A quick update. Camilla and Charles fell in love in their teen years before you and I even knew Lady Diana's name. Therefore, if they would have gotten married in their youth, we still wouldn't know Lady Di's name and she'd probably still be alive. Is that cleared up at all for you?
As for the Middleton's, yes, I know where they met, etc. However, Mrs. Middleton started a company. And...it doesn't matter how many you do or don't employ, you can still make millions.
Honestly though, I don't care that they are or aren't millionaires. My point was that they are helping out with the wedding and the taxpayer is only paying for security and I agree with that.
(BTW, I am a person who does not care if you earn your money or you inherited it.) I am not jealous of those with money.
Chip, go and crawl in your hole and let us royal fans thoroughly enjoy this wonderful royal wedding. They aren't like hockey games. They only come around about once every 30 years. That's only about 3 times in an average life time. Not enough for me. I'm on a wonderful, natural high right now and quite enjoying it.
Posted by: jojo | Apr 28, 2021 3:55:19 PM
trixie, what is your point in bashing chip???I thought we were free to state our opinions freely and u take it way out of context. It seems you are only posting to demonstrate your knowledge of this crap and try to impress us (which is not working btw)....you are completely off-topic...all we wanted to know is if u will watch it or not.As for tamairas comment regarding the betting pool, I wish I could get in on it myself and make a couple of quick bucks!!! What does it change in your life???Pleaze girls you are making us all look like saps...
Posted by: SP | Apr 28, 2021 8:32:23 PM
All my colleagues working in the UK get the day off so perhaps I should follow their lead and find some tranquility with my fishing rod from the deck of my boat. With luck I can catch the score over the radio on the way home, that way I can avoid having it disrupt any important work.
Posted by: Chip | Apr 29, 2021 4:29:42 AM
Awwww.. da Trixie don't luv me no mo !! How about if I buy you one of those commemorative wedding plates or tea sets I'm sure they'll be selling soon... or maybe one of those imitation Waity Katie wedding rings they're already selling which run from $29.99 to $899.99. Maybe the Middleton's online party hat business has already expanded to selling knock-off krap to the peasantry. That way you could add to your collection of royal memorabilia and continue turning your living room into an hommage to British Royalty. Or maybe you have a separate feel good enclave in your house for your yearly pilgrimage to the land of make believe. Either way... "We are not impressed "