For more than a decade, companies have relied on content delivery networks to efficiently and effectively deliver content to end users. However, the web looks a lot different today. Modern users are mobile-first and demand dynamic, personalized content across any context. It begs the question: are traditional content delivery networks up to the task? Or, will brands alienate users with outdated technology?

How does a CDN work?

Content delivery networks place copies of static data in locations around the globe. Then, when a user requests an application, the CDN serves bits from the nearest Point-of-Presence to the user, solving the issue of geographic latency. This performance enhancement matters because users can interact and engage quickly.

Do content delivery networks fail modern users?

In a pre-mobile world, CDN technology worked brilliantly because user context was predictable. Packaged data was delivered to desktop users via a “copy & forward” approach. Today, CDNs struggle to adapt to mobile users because of the limited view of the data exchanged between the host and the receiving device.

In order to master engagement with end-users across any device, network, and context, it is imperative to leverage an “outside-in” approach. This method recognizes user context first and then cues only content that is immediately needed. The ability to segment and sequence application content work to engage mobile users immediately with content optimized to their viewport.

What will the next generation of CDNs look like?

The content delivery network is not obsolete, but it is rapidly changing in nature. Are you curious about the future of content delivery networks? We’ll discuss this topic in Yottaa’s latest webinar: NextGen CDNs featuring CDN expert Dan Rayburn, an analyst at Frost & Sullivan on January 29th at 2pm EST.