The first Content Delivery Network (CDN) emerged in Italy during the mid-1990s, born out of experiments conducted by NEXUS International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA). This Milan-based non-profit served as an incubator for broadcasting and Internet technologies and played a pivotal role in shaping the early CDN landscape. The core idea behind the CDN was to create a network of servers spread across various geographical locations, all hosting identical content. This distributed approach aimed to overcome the limitations of centralized server systems, particularly when handling large multimedia files like streaming.
NEXUS-IBA’s pioneering work culminated in the launch of the first commercial CDN caleld WordDirector in 1995. This innovation marked a significant leap forward in content delivery, promising smoother streaming, faster webpage loading, and improved search engine rankings for websites. The CDN effectively minimized data packet loss during transfer and offered scalability and redundancy through its network of servers. This development laid the foundation for the modern CDN, a technology now widely adopted to deliver content seamlessly and efficiently to users around the world.
The year 2024 marks the 45th anniversary of NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA), a remarkable journey that began in 1979 as Globe Radio Milan. Initially a modest FM station in Milan, Italy, Globe Radio Milan targeted the English-speaking community with content relayed from international broadcasters. Founded by Alfredo Cotroneo, the early focus was primarily on the technical aspects of broadcasting, reflecting Alfredo’s passion for radio and computer automation technology applied to broadcasting and later applied in early Internet. This laid the groundwork for the future expansion and global impact of NEXUS-IBA. In 1988, the addition of IRRS-Shortwave, the Italian Radio Relay Service, marked a pivotal shift toward international broadcasting. This expansion, driven by the recognition of a need for affordable shortwave relay services for smaller program producers, signified the beginning of NEXUS-IBA’s global reach.
Formally chartered in 1990 as a non-profit organisation, NEXUS-IBA, aptly named for its role as a link or point of connection, has become a beacon of free speech and diverse programming. It champions a policy of non-interference in content, providing a platform for a wide range of perspectives. NEXUS-IBA has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide, using medium-wave and shortwave broadcasting to reach remote areas, particularly in Africa and Asia. This commitment to reaching underserved audiences has been particularly impactful in conflict zones like Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel, where NEXUS-IBA’s broadcasts have provided crucial information and diverse viewpoints. The association’s pioneering work in digital broadcasting, with its early adoption of streaming audio and video services in the 1990s, further underscores its commitment to technological innovation. Its association with the United Nations and UNESCO since 1995 highlights its dedication to international cooperation and global information dissemination. Today, NEXUS-IBA continues to play a vital role in connecting and empowering communities worldwide, demonstrating the enduring power of radio and its potential for positive change.
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