Web 2.0 Architectures

Akamai and BitTorrent

Both Akamai and BitTorrent address the challenge of distributing large volumes of information across huge networks, striving to minimize bandwidth consumption and delays that users might notice. Their approaches to solving these problems, however, are very different.

Applicable Web 2.0 Patterns

This comparison discusses the following patterns:

• Service-Oriented Architecture

• Software as a Service

• Participation-Collaboration

• The Synchronized Web

You can find more information on these patterns in Chapter 7.

Alternate Solutions to Bandwidth

Akamai and BitTorrent both avoid the issue of a single host trying to supply bandwidth-intensive content to a potentially global audience. A single server starts to slow down as it reaches its maximum capability, and the network in the immediate vicinity of the host server is affected because it’s handling a higher amount of traffic.

Again, the incumbent in this case (Akamai) has significantly changed its mechanics and infrastructure since the date of the original brainstorming session when the comparison of Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 was made (as depicted in Figure 3-1). Accordingly, understanding the patterns and advantages of each system is a good idea for budding Web 2.0 entrepreneurs. You shouldn’t view Akamai as antiquated. It is performing tremendously well financially, far outstripping many of the Web 2.0 companies mentioned in this book. It’s been one of NASDAQ’s top-performing stocks, reporting 47% growth and revenues of $636 million ...