Tata Communications, BitGravity introduce global CDN network

Tata Communications has announced the global launch of its content delivery network (CDN) service in association with US-based pioneer of next-generation CDN for interactive broadcasting, BitGravity.

Following this tie-up, Tata Communications will provide the first truly global CDN service on a state of the art, single ASN global IP network throughout Europe, Asia, North America and India, with a presence in over 300 locations worldwide.

BitGravity, founded in 2006, provides technology for content delivery and built the first CDN for interactive broadcasting, optimised to deliver affordable, HD-quality video on demand, live broadcasts, and interactive applications for massive audiences on the internet.

Its patent-pending CDN is rated as being in the 'tier 1' category, being scalable to deliver streaming videos that play instantly, and live video with no buffering.

In March 2008, Tata Communications had invested $11.5 million in BitGravity's convertible debt, validating the company's content delivery platform as a key benefit in value-added services.

The next-generation CDN service to be provided jointly by the two is said to be capable of delivering the highest performance and reliability in the industry while providing immediate access to content, including 'High-Definition Video', without delay or jitter, and the highest levels of throughput for end users.

Fast forwarding, cache clearing, resolution switching and rate throttling are just a few of the features that enable customers to build a robust and engaging application into a Flash Player.

Tata Communications suite of offerings include Tata Communications CDN, a next-generation CDN designed for a wide range of applications providing the highest performance and reliability on a global scale; Tata Communications CDN Plus and CDN Secure, add value designed for the distribution and protection of media assets; and Tata Communications LiveBroadcast, a high quality, flash-based streaming service for broadcasters of live events.

Vinod Kumar, chief operating officer, Tata Communications said "The launch of CDN service is a major milestone in our strategic roadmap to offer unparalleled managed services globally.''

''We chose to work with BitGravity because it has the best architecture and technology to deliver high quality content and video. Together, Tata Communications and BitGravity's capabilities are a formidable force to deliver high quality content and video'' he added.

Perry Wu, CEO and co-founder of BitGravity said "Global reach will be table stakes for content delivery and we are excited to receive funding and support from a strong strategic investor like Tata Communications that will enable us to effectively integrate our CDN architecture with their worldwide backbone and provide an unmatched user experience. Tata Communications extensive relationships within and outside of the communications industry will accelerate the deployment and penetration of our innovative platform."

Tata Communications is the number one global international wholesale voice operator and number one provider of international long distance, enterprise data and Internet services in India with services that include transmission, IP, converged voice, mobility, managed network connectivity, hosting and storage, managed security, managed collaboration and business transformation for global enterprises and service providers, as well as internet, retail broadband and content services for Indian consumers.

Its global network encompasses one of the most advanced and largest submarine cable networks, a Tier-1 IP network, with connectivity to more than 200 countries across 300 PoPs, and more than 1 million square feet of data center and co-location facilities.

Tata Communications' unique emerging market depth and breadth of reach includes a national fibre backbone network and access to network in over 60 cities and 125 PoPs in India, strategic investments in South African converged services operator, Neotel, Sri Lanka and Nepal and, subject to fulfillment of conditions precedent, a 50 per cent ownership in China Enterprise Communications (CEC) providing full country VPN coverage in China.