OTT platforms have become increasingly popular for delivering video content over the internet. As the number of subscribers grows, it is important to have a robust system in place to manage their information and ensure a smooth viewing experience. A subscriber management system (SMS) is a crucial component of an OTT platform as it provides a centralized location to store, manage and update subscriber information.
In this article, we will discuss the technical aspects of building a subscriber management system for an OTT platform, including the architecture, data storage, and key features.
Architecture:
The architecture of a subscriber management system should be designed to handle high traffic, provide security and ensure reliability. A microservices architecture is a popular choice for building OTT platforms as it enables scalability and allows for different components to be developed and maintained independently.
In terms of the SMS architecture, it can consist of the following components:
Subscriber management microservice: This microservice is responsible for managing the subscriber data and providing an API for other microservices to access it.
Authentication microservice: This microservice is responsible for authenticating subscribers when they log in to the platform and providing a secure way to store and retrieve login information.
Billing microservice: This microservice is responsible for handling the billing and payment information for subscribers. It integrates with payment gateways to process payments and can also handle recurring payments for subscribers who have signed up for a subscription-based service.
Data storage:
The SMS should be designed to store a large amount of data and provide quick access to it. A relational database such as MySQL or PostgreSQL is a good choice for storing subscriber data. NoSQL databases such as MongoDB can also be used, but they are better suited for data that is more unstructured.
The SMS should also be designed to store billing information securely, and it is recommended to use a payment gateway that is PCI compliant to ensure that the sensitive payment information is stored securely.
Key Features:
Subscriber sign-up and login: The SMS should provide a simple and secure way for subscribers to sign up and log in to the platform. This can be achieved through an API that integrates with the authentication microservice.
Subscription management: The SMS should provide a way for subscribers to manage their subscriptions, including the ability to upgrade or downgrade their plan, change billing information, and cancel their subscription.
User profiles: The SMS should provide a way for subscribers to manage their user profile, including the ability to update their personal information, change their password, and manage their billing information.
Billing and payment management: The SMS should provide a way for subscribers to manage their billing and payment information, including the ability to update their payment method and view their billing history.
Reporting: The SMS should provide a way for administrators to generate reports on subscriber activity, including sign-ups, cancellations, and billing information.
Conclusion:
A subscriber management system is a crucial component of an OTT platform, and its design and implementation should prioritize scalability, security, and reliability. By following the guidelines discussed in this article, you can build a robust SMS that will provide a smooth experience for your subscribers and help your OTT platform grow.