FAQ’s

 

1.                  What is “Content Distribution”?

Simply stated, Content Distribution is the process of getting electronic files (content) from where they are to where they need to be, when they need to be there.  The usual situation is that content is created at one place and distributed to multiple locations.

2.                  Why can’t I just use FTP to get my files?

You can, but for anything except very small implementations this approach will prove to be very hard to support.  Having many locations download files from a single site will quickly overload the FTP server.  If the files are very large, say multimedia files like MPEG’s, the download time can get quite prohibitive.  FTP is also subject to firewall and security restrictions that can make accessing the FTP servers somewhat problematic.

3.                  OK, so what if I use multiple FTP sites?

Having multiple distribution points is a great idea.  But, by using FTP you have just created another layer of distribution that you have to manage manually.  Dividing up which remote locations connect to which FTP server will require upfront planning and constant tuning at the remote machines.

4.                  But isn’t the Via solution just a fancy file transfer program?

Not really.  The Via Server uses a distributed architecture and a much richer feature set that enables it to provide service that is beyond anything FTP can provide.  The distributed approach and built in messaging capabilities allow you to tune your distribution strategy to handle virtually any network topology or, depending on bandwidth, almost any content volume.  The Via Media Manger uses the Via Server to transport the files but also provides a front end that allows you to easily keep track of which files are in which locations and even ensures that files that are already at the destination are not sent again (unless you specifically request that they be sent again).