"This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the rationale and technology driving the evolution of the Web. I especially liked the way the authors tie together the various elements and protocols that make up content distribution systems over the Web."
--Prof. Dr. Ralf Steinmetz, Head of Multimedia Communications Lab (KOM), Darmstadt University of Technology, Germany
"Finally, there is a comprehensive and authoritative text on all aspects of content delivery networking, the true Intelligent Network of the Internet! I will certainly use this book in teaching graduate students."
--Igor Faynberg, Technical Manager, Internet Standards, Bell Labs/Lucent Technologies, and Adjunct Professor of Computer Science, Stevens Institute of Technology
"This book closes a major gap in current literature: it gives a comprehensive overview of all aspects of content delivery networks. It is easy to read, yet provides an in-depth understanding of the algorithms and communication protocols involved."
--Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Effelsberg, University of Mannheim, Director, Computer Networks and Multimedia Technology Research Group
Customer Reviews & Comments
This is a fabulous book. It is well-written (enjoyable to read and sometimes even entertaining), well organized, and technically competent - it's a real delight. The book certainly is a keeper and a re-read for everyone who needs to understand how content is delivered over the Web/Internet.
If you're looking for a complete and detailed reference to the HTTP protocol, this is not the book for you. But if you're interested in learning and understanding the fundamentals underlying the Web and content delivery over the Internet, this is the book you want to read. Ever wondered why it takes seconds or even minutes to load certain Web pages or access audio/video files? The book does not only give the answer, but explains how these problems can be overcome. Hofmann and Beaumont focus on explaining the core principles and the fundamentals underlying these solutions, giving you a broad understanding that will be helpful and valuable for years to come. They master connecting the various dots and explain extremely well how all the little pieces fit together. When reading the book, your quickly feel that Hofmann and Beaumont know what they're writing about, that they worked in this field and have lots of "real-life" experience that mixes skillfully with their research background. Overall, an excellent book that should be on book shelf of everyone interested in the Web and in delivering content and services over the Internet.
Also check out their companion Web page at http://www.content-networking.com.
