Content consumption has taken many twists and turns from renting DVDs to watching online content. From analogue TVs to Smartphones. We now have hundreds of content services which are known as OTT platforms (Over the top). OTT platform is a digital distribution service that delivers audio and video content over the internet. To deliver high-quality, low-latency content to a global audience, these OTT platforms rely on a Content Delivery Network (CDN). With the increase in content consumption and number OTT services, many technology providers like AWS, Google and Microsoft have started providing CDN as a Service. For OTT players, therefore its becomes a bit challenging to select one or more of these services. Lets look at the key aspects in the selection of CDN services:
Geographical coverage: One of the most important factors to consider is the CDN's geographical coverage. The CDN must have a network of servers located in different regions of the world to ensure low-latency content delivery to users in different regions. A CDN that has a global network of servers will ensure that your content is delivered quickly and efficiently, regardless of where your users are located.
Connect and Wait time: Review the differing connect times to make sure that your CDN has great network connectivity, low latency, and no packet loss. Wait Time is an indicator for any potential capacity issues and bad configurations located either within the provider’s CDN network or your origin server. Wait Time also reveals whether or not your content is actually being served from the edge or if it is being fetched from your origin server.
Capacity and scalability: Another important factor to consider is the CDN's capacity and scalability. OTT platforms typically experience spikes in traffic during peak hours, and the CDN must have the capacity to handle this increased traffic. Additionally, the CDN must be scalable, so that it can easily accommodate growth as the platform expands.
Reliability and availability: The CDN must be reliable and available, ensuring that content is delivered to users seamlessly, even during periods of high traffic. A CDN that has multiple points of presence (PoPs) and redundant systems can ensure high availability and reliability.
Cost: Cost is also an important factor to consider when selecting a CDN. A CDN with a global network of servers, high capacity, and high reliability will likely be more expensive than a CDN with limited geographical coverage and lower reliability. However, it's important to remember that the cost of a CDN is an investment in the quality of the platform and the user experience.
Technical support: A CDN that provides technical support and 24/7 monitoring can be invaluable in ensuring the smooth operation of the OTT platform. Technical support can help resolve any issues quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring that content is delivered to users seamlessly.
In conclusion, selecting a CDN for an OTT platform is a critical decision, as it can have a significant impact on the quality of the user experience and the success of the platform. By considering the key factors outlined in this article, you can choose a CDN that will deliver high-quality, low-latency content to a global audience, and help ensure the success of your OTT platform.