Cntent delivery is the process of providing web-based media over specific mediums, such as the Internet or television broadcast channels. This encompasses a wide range of online content, including music videos, webpages, television shows, videogames, and more.
Online Content Delivery and Content Caching
Online content delivery involves distributing information to duplicate servers to maintain web-based content. This process is known as content caching, which helps decrease loading time, enables efficient delivery, and decentralizes data handling tasks. Additionally, content caching plays a crucial role in preventing denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
How Content Delivery Works
The rise of Internet-based content has emphasized the need for stable content delivery systems. To meet the increasing demand for video-on-demand (VoD), downloadable content, and streaming services, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have improved scalability, service quality, and network reliability.
Content delivery typically operates through three main steps:
1. Web Redirection
Cache servers are strategically placed at major Internet access points worldwide. These secondary cache servers use various routing codes, including Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), IP, and Domain Name System (DNS) redirection, to redirect webpage requests to the nearest server.
2. URL Selection
Web users select a specific Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that reroutes the request from the originating server to a secondary cache server closer to the user.
3. Delivery
The secondary cache server determines which content is already cached and delivers it to the user, while any non-cached content is obtained from the originating server.
Types of Content Delivery: Downloading vs. Streaming
Content delivery can be achieved in two primary ways: downloading and streaming.
Downloadable Content
Downloadable content (DLC) requires the entire content to be delivered to the user before playback. Popular peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing sites like Gnutella and BitTorrent divide content into bite-sized chunks, requiring users to download the complete content before consumption.
Streamable Content
Streaming has become more popular, especially for media like music and videos. In streaming, content is played while being transported to the end user’s side. The streamable content is divided into delay-bounded and nondelay-restricted classes, catering to applications like gaming and Internet TV.
Types of Digital Content and Their Uses
Different types of digital content appeal to prospects at various stages of their customer journey. Below are some common and effective types of digital content:
Blogs
Blogs provide customer-centric information and are optimized using SEO research to attract new audiences and raise brand awareness and trust.
Videos
Videos offer valuable information and are excellent tools for engaging prospects and customers on social media.
Ebooks
Ebooks add legitimacy to a brand and are great for generating leads when delivered as gated content.
Podcasts
Podcasts can add value to products and keep customers engaged through interviews, case studies, and discussions.
Infographics
Infographics are eye-catching and appeal to visual learners, making them perfect for social media engagement.
Case Studies and Whitepapers
Case studies and whitepapers help build trust by showcasing a company’s success and expertise.
Webinars
Webinars offer synchronous sales pitches and can be repurposed for future marketing opportunities.
Maximize Delivery Returns: Reuse and Recycle Digital Content
Recycling and reusing existing content can be a cost-effective strategy. Turning blogs into infographics, webinars into asynchronous videos, or podcasts from blog topics can give content a fresh look and reach new audiences.
Omnichannel Content Delivery
To succeed in reaching customers across various digital platforms, focus on creating omnichannel content optimized for different screen and device compatibility.
What is a Content Delivery Network (CDN)?
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a network that connects Internet service providers (ISPs), website owners, and network operators on local servers. CDN providers like Akamai Technologies, EdgeCast, and Amazon CloudFront distribute content from originating servers to secondary cache servers through satellite links, facilitating faster access to webpages, videos, audio, and other web-based content.
How Content Delivery Networks Work
CDNs locate secondary cache servers at established exchange points, allowing various ISPs to use traffic from these servers. They also improve data transfers, enhance website security, and ensure reliable service through strategically placed data centers worldwide.
Benefits of Content Delivery Networks
Implementing a CDN provides several key benefits:
- Decreasing Loading Time
- Improving Content Availability and Redundancy
- Enhancing Webpage Security with DDoS Migration
- Decreasing Bandwidth Expenses
