Centralized Managed Transfer Model vs. Federated Transfer Model
One of the most critical aspects of implementing a digital media distribution solution is to understand the difference between centrally managed transfers and transfers that are done using a federated model.
The benefits of a centrally managed distribution system become more readily apparent when contrasted with a federated distribution system.
If we have, say, ten locations for sending and receiving content, in a federated model, any point (sender) can send content to any other point (receiver). These transfers are accomplished but that activity must then be aggregated, after the fact (transfer), in order for post-transfer statistics to be collected. If ten locations are simultaneously sending and receiving, that results in five point-to-point transfers. On whose authority is it being determined as to how much network resources are appropriate for each transfer? How does one ensure that higher priority media be delivered sooner than lower priority media? In a federated model, the "everyone is equal" model applies. Now, let's consider some of the corporate governance policies or corporate practices that may be necessary to observe. In a federated model, some transfers may be done with media encryption added to further protect content. Others may be done without this extra security step. This ad-hoc application or non-application of policies is an undesirable consequence of a federated distribution model.