CDN Roundup: Akamai, Level 3, Limelight

Here’s a roundup of this week’s headlines from the Content Distribution Network industry:

Akamai streamlines iPhone, iPad video delivery. Akamai Technologies (AKAM) announced new capabilities for its HD for iPhone solution designed to simplify delivery of standards-based, on-demand video to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Referred to as "in the network" packaging, it automatically packages content to the format required on the Apple devices by leveraging existing H.264 and MPEG4 video workflows. "Reaching growing audiences on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch is now business-critical for our customers," said Rich Kennelly, Vice President Media at Akamai. "Our focus is to ensure each viewer gets the highest quality experience possible leveraging the Akamai HD Network, while making it easier for customers to reach these growing platforms."

Level 3 and CNN expand relationship. Level 3 Communications (LVLT) announced it has expanded its relationship with CNN to include Managed Video Network Services (MVNS), a fully managed video delivery, IP and networking solution.  The MVNS platform has been installed into CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta as well as augmented fiber capacity into New York city studios. “With the speed at which information travels today, news cycles for broadcasters like CNN have accelerated," said Andrew Crouch, president of Sales at Level 3. "As a result, their connectivity needs have grown and their video and data must move faster and more efficiently. We developed our MVNS platform to meet the needs of the most demanding broadcast customers, to improve business efficiencies and digital workflows, and to support future innovation in the way content is delivered.”  This latest expansion builds on the more than 20 year relationship between Level 3 and CNN.

Limelight expands web acceleration services. Limelight Networks (LLNW) announced the extension of the company's web site acceleration services with the introduction of Commerce Accelerator and Portal Accelerator. "Today’s demanding end users expect their favorite online storefronts, self-service portals, and even their web business applications to be rich with personalized, dynamic content and interactive elements," said David Hatfield, senior vice president, Limelight Networks, Inc. "Our newest web acceleration offerings provide publishers, retailers, advertisers, and corporate IT departments with cloud-based solutions to help meet those consumer expectations." Commerce Accelerator is a service that maximizes dynamic content delivery such as shopping carts, transactions and other highly interactive content. Portal Accelerator extends the reach of customer-owned infrastructure by using the Limelight global infrastructure to increase application availability, response times and security.  Limelight also introduced an update to Site Accelerator, formerly Limelight SITE.