73 a layer of switches (the CloudSwXtch). Along with our xNIC software, CloudSwXtch gives our customers a high-performance network that they can control with full standards compliant multicast and no software changes are needed for their applications.” For many organisations, multicast is a necessity that represents a major barrier to cloud migration and its many benefits. “Many industries require multicast because their existing workloads require it, so its absence makes it impossible for them to move their systems into the cloud,” says Yates. “Multicast also makes designing and testing certain communications applications much easier, which is why engineers design systems around it. Finally, industry standards require it. In media and entertainment particularly, the SMPTE 2110 standards require multicast as a distribution mechanism. This is because multicast allows multiple streams or content sources to be independently distributed, and then rejoined and synchronised later in the process.” With CloudSwXtch, an organisation can also use multicast to enhance the cost-saving benefits that help make cloud technology such an attractive proposition. “By moving a portion of their workload into the cloud, a business can optimise on-premises versus cloud spend,” says Yates. “However, this is not possible for a lot of workloads that are dependent on multicast – unless multicast works in both environments. By arranging their network topology to send a single copy across links that are billed based on the amount of data, then doing the fanout at the far edge, a business can minimise their data transfer fees.” Photo: Unsplash/Chris Murray Some sectors, such as media and entertainment, require multicast to meet industry standards
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