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Biographical Information

John Townley

John Townley is a freelance writer living in New York.

Articles for John Townley

Decisions, Decisions

With many variables in cost and service features to consider, choosing a CDN isn’t easy. For NetRadio, the stakes in such a decision are high — the company streams upwards of 4.6 million aggregate tuning hours per month, according to Arbitron’s most recent report. So NetRadio declined to take the leap with a single provider, choosing instead to test the waters.

What Should You Look For In A CDN?

Because the total product CDNs’ supply is comprised of multiple parts and suppliers, service scope and quality can differ widely. The added-value trappings can differentiate a Ford from a Rolls Royce in the CDN world.

Brand New Infrastructure: The FedEx Model

Just like with physical goods, data must be transported from A to B. Like trucks on a highway, data usually travels the most frequented routes. But as more vehicles start cruising that highway, and as the trips become longer, packages get delayed, go astray, arrive spoiled, or don’t arrive at all.

The Players

CDNs: Fast Route to Main Street

The world of content delivery networks can confuse even a veteran to streaming, but navigating it might be necessary for the success of your streaming operation. Sr. Editor Jose Alvear and Contributor John Townley tell you how CDNs operate, how they set their prices, and why — or if — you need them.

Do You Really Need A CDN?

Comparison shopping for CDNs is crucial, as is negotiating on price once a decision has been made. But first, you’ll need to determine if you actually need — or can afford — a CDN.