A CDN is a geographically dispersed network of various cache servers or proxy servers also known as edge servers. It is a network of connected servers that delivers content to end users based on various factors, such as the end user’s geographic location, webpage’s origin, and the server’s location. CDN replicates or stores multiple copies of content or media (streaming audio, video, and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), web pages, applications, software, and so on) on strategically dispersed servers at different locations. Hence, CDN removes the load from the origin server and speeds up the delivery of the replicated content requested by multiple clients at the same time. For example, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or telecom companies can have CDN to deliver static and dynamic web content over their network. CDN delivers content at available bandwidth, with lower latency, high performance, secured environment, and much faster content delivery. It makes copies of the content to be delivered and stores these copies on dispersed servers. When an end user requests for content or site pages that are part of the CDN, the request is redirected to servers, which are the closest to end users requesting the content.

Visionary leaders are the leading market players in terms of new developments such as product launches, innovative technologies, and the adoption of growth strategies. These players have a broad product offering that caters to most of the regions globally. Visionary leaders primarily focus on acquiring the leading market position through their strong financial capabilities and their well-established brand equity.

Dynamic Differentiators are established players with very strong business strategies. However, they have a weaker product portfolio compared to the visionary leaders. They generally focus only on a specific type of technology related to the product.

Innovators in the competitive leadership mapping are vendors that have demonstrated substantial product innovations as compared to their competitors. The companies have focused on product portfolios. However, they do not have very strong growth strategies for their overall business, when compared with the visionary leaders.

Emerging companies have niche product and service offerings. Their business strategies are not as strong as that of the established vendors. The emerging vendors include the new entrants in the market, emerging in terms of product portfolio and geographic reach, and require time to gain significant traction in the market.