Category: #cloud

#cloud, AI, Best Practices, Career, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, Employment, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Project & Production Management, publishing, Quality Control, Social Media, Success, Technology

Quick Reference: CDNs

A CDN (Content Delivery Network) is a geographically distributed network of servers that helps deliver content (such as web pages, images, videos, etc.) to users from servers that are geographically closer to them, resulting in faster page load times and better user experience.

A CDN typically works by storing cached copies of a website’s content on multiple servers distributed across different geographic locations, called edge servers. When a user requests content from the website, the CDN automatically redirects the request to the server that is geographically closest to the user, reducing latency and minimizing network congestion. The CDN also helps to distribute network load and protect against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, among other benefits.

Edge servers are a key component of CDN architecture. They are small-scale data centers that are strategically placed in multiple distributed locations around the world, as close to end-users as possible. 

When a user requests content from a website, the nearest edge server to the user intercepts the request and serves the cached content that exists on that edge server itself. If the content is not available, the edge server pulls it from the origin server, caches it locally, and then serves it to the requesting user.

Edge servers are designed to handle high traffic loads and to deliver content with low latency and minimal network congestion. They help improve the performance and reliability of websites by reducing the distance that data needs to travel, and by distributing network load across multiple servers.

25 CDN companies and what broadcasters generally use them for:

  1. Akamai – Used for live streaming, software downloads and website optimization.
  2. Cloudflare – Used for DDoS protection, load balancing and website optimization.
  3. Amazon CloudFront – Used for video on demand streaming, software downloads and website optimization.
  4. Fastly – Used for video streaming, website acceleration and API acceleration.
  5. Limelight – Used for online video, gaming, file downloads and website acceleration.
  6. Google Cloud CDN – Used for website optimization and application delivery.
  7. Verizon Digital Media Services – Used for video streaming, website acceleration and security.
  8. StackPath – Used for website security, bandwidth savings and website acceleration.
  9. CDN77 – Used for video streaming and website acceleration.
  10. KeyCDN – Used for website acceleration and video streaming.
  11. Microsoft Azure CDN – Used for website optimization, application delivery and video streaming.
  12. OnApp – Used for website acceleration and cloud-based applications.
  13. Rackspace Cloud Files – Used for data storage and content delivery.
  14. Internap – Used for CDN and hosting services.
  15. Instart Logic – Used for website and application acceleration.
  16. CenturyLink CDN – Used for media streaming and website acceleration.
  17. CDN.net – Used for website acceleration and video streaming.
  18. BelugaCDN – Used for website acceleration and content delivery.
  19. G-Core Labs – Used for website acceleration, video streaming and gaming.
  20. Tata Communications – Used for online video, website acceleration and content delivery.
  21. Mirror Image – Used for website acceleration and video streaming.
  22. CacheFly – Used for website acceleration and video streaming.
  23. Varnish Software – Used for website acceleration and API acceleration.
  24. Aryaka – Used for cloud-based network and application acceleration.
  25. Highwinds – Used for content delivery, live video streaming and website acceleration.

Note: This list is not exhaustive and there are more CDN companies in the market.

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#cloud, AI, Career, Employment, Hacking, Project & Production Management, Quality Control, Success, Technology

The power of AI’s Coverletter Writing

I asked an AI app to “Write me a 3 paragraph cover letter in less than 300 words for the following job description:

Responsibilities:
· Configure, service, and support all aspects of on-air and post-production broadcast automation systems, specifically network configurations, remote encoders, and control platforms.
· Provide technical (hardware, software, and networking) support for NY-based Post Production facility including Adobe Premiere, Dalet, Microsoft, Linux, and Apple Operating systems, IP networking, and video equipment including EVS.
· Coordinate and execute new project initiatives while protecting air and providing standard day-to-day troubleshooting and maintenance functions on all broadcast network systems.
· Provide system integration in both production and post-production infrastructure, including but not limited to: System build-out and integration, cable fabrication, cable installation, equipment installation, and documentation creation/revision.
· Support, troubleshoot, and maintain the integrity and security of the storage area networks and asset management systems.
· Document system and facility changes to increase visibility and collaboration between operations and engineering partners.
· Manage Transcode and administer ingest/media automation systems.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
· At least 4 years of On-Air and/or Post Production systems experience.
· Experience using and troubleshooting production/post-production software (Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Chyron-based Graphic Systems, Media Asset Management Systems etc.).
· Proficiency in Microsoft, Linux, and Apple Operating systems.
· Knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory authentication, Group Policy Objects, LDAP, and policy-based security.
· Knowledge of Network infrastructure and operations, including subnet and VLAN implementation, and Cisco switch configuration.
· Knowledge of Quantum Stornext SAN and LTO Archive library systems.
· Comprehension of a Fibre Channel and DLC connected SAN environment, related hardware, and networking protocols.
· Knowledge of VMWare Virtualization.
· Knowledge of EVS and router control systems
· Knowledge of Thinclient concepts.
· Knowledge of NDI tools and IP Video Standards (2110)
· Familiarity with IP addressing, file and directory permissions, and networking concepts and terminologies.
· Excellent documentation, communication, & organization skills. Demonstrated ability in troubleshooting & analysis.
· Building and maintaining asset management and file-delivery workflows with full visibility to team partners and customers
· Strong team player – collaborates well with others to solve problems and actively incorporates input from various sources.
· Demonstrated customer focus – evaluates decisions through the eyes of the operational customer; builds strong relationships and creates processes with customer viewpoint.
· Effectively communicate the status of systems and actions within the production environment, including risk assessment, both verbally and through documentation to internal and external stakeholders
· Change oriented – actively generates process improvements; supports and drives change.
· Ability to work well in a fast-paced live broadcast environment.
· Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

The following is the AI’s response: I believe the AI’s writing is a bit “arrogant”, so with some tweaks the letter wouldn’t be bad at all. The AI app gave me a good “shell” to start from.

Dear Hiring Manager, (if you have the person’s name, delete hiring manager, and input the person’s name to personalize the cover letter).

I am writing to apply for the role of Broadcast Automation Systems Engineer at your prestigious Post Production facility in New York. With over 5 years of experience in On-Air and Post Production systems, I believe that I am a perfect fit for the job. I am proficient in Adobe Premiere, Dalet, Microsoft, Linux, and Apple Operating systems, IP networking, and video equipment, including EVS systems. My expertise in troubleshooting and analyzing system issues, combined with a strong customer focus, will enable me to effectively communicate system status and drive process improvements.

As a Broadcast Automation Systems Engineer, I have an extensive knowledge of network configurations, remote encoders, and control platforms. I have provided technical hardware, software, and networking support for several key systems, including Quantum Stornext SAN and LTO Archive library systems, and have demonstrated effective collaboration with the operations and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of systems with existing production infrastructure.

I am familiar with IP addressing, file, and directory permissions, and networking concepts and terminologies, which I have leveraged to build and maintain asset management and file-delivery workflows that offer full visibility to team partners and customers. I am a strong team player with excellent documentation, communication, and organization skills, and I am confident that I will make significant contributions to your team, helping to coordinate and execute new project initiatives while protecting air and providing standard day-to-day troubleshooting and maintenance functions on your broadcast network systems.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications, skills, and experience in greater detail.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

#cloud, Agile, AI, Best Practices, Career, Employment, Hacking, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Project & Production Management, RFID, Safety, Teamwork, Technology

Logistics Gymnastics: Making it work

Technology plays a crucial role in logistics and supply chain management. Here are some examples of vital technologies used in logistics and supply chain management:

  1. Transportation management systems (TMS)
  2. Warehouse management systems (WMS)
  3. Global positioning systems (GPS)
  4. Radio-frequency identification (RFID)
  5. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
  6. Drones
  7. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
  8. Big data analytics
  9. Blockchain technology
  10. Cloud computing
  11. Mobile devices and applications
  12. Electronic data interchange (EDI)
  13. Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
  14. Telematics

These technologies can be used for a variety of purposes such as optimizing routes, tracking shipments, managing inventory, and improving supply chain visibility. By leveraging these technologies, companies can enhance their efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better overall service to their customers.

#cloud, Agile, AI, Career, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, Employment, gaming, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

Discover How Generative AI is Transforming the Way We Work From Enterprise, Creative Design to Gaming – Embracing the future

Generative AI refers to a type of artificial intelligence that can generate new content, such as text, images, or audio, using machine learning algorithms. Unlike traditional rule-based systems, generative AI can create new content that is not based on pre-existing templates or data.

Generative AI can be used to create a wide range of content, from product descriptions to news articles to art. However, it cannot fully replace human creativity, as it lacks the ability to understand the nuances of language, culture, and context like humans do. Instead, it can be used as a tool to augment human creativity and help speed up the content creation process.

Several large companies are using generative AI to build meaningful tools. For example, OpenAI has developed GPT-3, a language generation model that can summarize, translate, and generate text. Adobe’s Sensei uses generative AI to enhance creativity in their platform by suggesting images, colors, and layouts that can complement a user’s design. Additionally, the music streaming service Amper Music uses generative AI to create custom original music tracks for users based on their preferences.

For those working throughout the chain of content creation, the rise of generative AI means that there is potential for increased efficiency and productivity. Writers, designers, and marketers can use generative AI tools to help them generate ideas, draft content, and streamline workflows. However, it also means that there may be job displacement as some tasks, such as content creation and curation, become automated. Therefore, it is important to embrace and adapt to these new technologies while also exploring how to harness them ethically and sustainably.

To harness technologies effectively, there are several steps you can take:

1. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends by reading industry publications, attending conferences and workshops, and networking with other professionals in your field.

1a. 5G Networks: The implementation of 5G networks is a game changer for the broadcasting industry, enabling faster and more reliable connections to support real-time high-quality multimedia services including live streaming, video on demand and remote productions.

1b. Virtual and Augmented Reality: Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies are expanding new ways for broadcasting. Virtual studios and augmented reality graphics can seamlessly integrate live video recordings with digital overlay objects, allowing the industry professionals to offer interactive storytelling.

1c. Artificial Intelligence: AI-enabled services such as voice-controlled interfaces, automatic captioning and machine learning systems are becoming more prevalent in the broadcasting industry. Advanced data analytics can also be used to help create personalized content and engage audiences more effectively.

1d. Cloud-based Workflows: Cloud-based workflows enable media production from anywhere in the world, allowing professionals to collaborate and work on the same project. This opens up new possibilities to reduce costs, streamline workflows and optimize resource utilization to provide high-quality content to the consumers with a shorter turnaround time.

1e. Interactive Live Streaming: Interactive live streaming brings an engaging experience to the audience by involving interactive elements such as live chat, polling, real-time feedback and social media integration during live streaming events.

2f. Generative AI is used in gaming to improve game design, create more realistic gaming experiences, and generate interactive game content. It can be used to create game levels and landscapes, generate non-player character dialogue, and design game assets such as weapons, vehicles, and characters. Generative AI can also be utilized to create unique and personalized game experiences for individual players, such as generating quests or challenges tailored to their playing style. Additionally, it can be used to improve game performance by predicting and adapting to player behavior, such as enemy AI behavior and player preferences.

• Streaming and cloud technology have revolutionized the broadcasting and gaming industries in recent years, offering new opportunities for content delivery and production. Here are some trends and applications for streaming and cloud technology in the broadcast industry:

• Live Streaming Services: Live streaming services offer broadcasters an effective way to reach audiences on multiple devices from anywhere. With cloud-based live streaming services, broadcasters can easily broadcast from remote locations, quickly deploy new channels, and scale services to meet audiences’ requirements.

• Cloud-based Production Workflows: The cloud provides a flexible and agile platform for media production processes, allowing for real-time collaboration, remote editing, and content storage. With the cloud, media professionals can work from anywhere, streamlining post-production workflows and reducing infrastructure costs.

• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Content delivery networks enable the distribution of media content over the internet to global audiences. They provide a reliable and scalable platform for video distribution, allowing broadcasters to deliver high-quality video and audio content to viewers.

• Personalization: Personalization is a growing trend in the broadcast industry, with broadcasters using streaming and cloud technology to tailor content to individual preferences. Cloud-based content operations systems use AI and machine learning algorithms to recommend content based on viewers’ watching habits and preferences.

• Multi-Platform Delivery: Streaming and cloud technology has enabled broadcasters to deliver content across multiple platforms simultaneously. With this technology, broadcasters can target audiences on linear TV, video-on-demand, social media platforms, and other digital channels.

There are several publications and resources available for broadcast industry professionals looking to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies including Broadcasting & Cable, TV Technology, Broadcasting World, Advanced Television and IBC365. These sources provides up-to-date news, insights, analysis and reviews of new technology trends and applications within the broadcasting industry.

2. Understand the technology: Dive deep into the technology tools that interest you and learn how they work, what they are capable of doing, and what their limitations are.

Broadcast technology tools are specialized hardware and software solutions used to capture, create, process, distribute, and transmit audio and video content in the broadcast industry. Here are some examples of broadcast technology tools, along with their capabilities and limitations:

2a. Cameras: Cameras capture audio and video content in various formats using lenses and sensors. They have limitations such as limited battery life, poor low-light performance, and limited dynamic range.

2b. Audio consoles: Audio consoles are used for mixing audio content, adjusting audio levels, and adding effects. They have limitations, such as high costs and complex operations.

2c. Video switchers: Video switchers are used to control multiple video sources and switch between them. They have limitations, such as limited inputs and outputs and high costs.

2d. Character generators: Character generators are used to create on-screen text and graphics. They have limitations, such as limited animation capabilities and limited font options.

2e. Video servers: Video servers store and play back video content. They have limitations, such as limited storage capacity and high costs.

2f. Production control systems: Production control systems manage and coordinate multiple technical elements of the production process. They have limitations, such as high costs and complexity.

2g. Audio routers: Audio routers are used to route audio signals to various destinations. They have limitations, such as high costs and limited routing options.

2h. Video routers: Video routers are used to route video signals to various destinations. They have limitations, such as high costs and limited routing options.

2i. Video monitors: Video monitors are used to display video content for monitoring and quality control. They have limitations, such as high costs and limited calibration options.

2j. Audio signal processors: Audio signal processors are used to enhance and manipulate audio signals. They have limitations, such as high costs and complex operation.

2k. Video encoders: Video encoders convert video content into various digital formats for transmission and distribution. They have limitations, such as limited encoding options and sometimes, degraded video quality.

2l. Video decoders: Video decoders decode video content from its digital format for viewing. They have limitations such as compatibility with only certain video codecs/formats.

2m. Satellite feeds: Satellite feeds are used for remote broadcasts, such as news reporting or live events. They have limitations, such as limited availability, limited bandwidth, and high costs.

2n. Teleprompters: Teleprompters display script and other prompts for presenters to read while looking directly into the camera. They have limitations, such as high costs and dependency on electricity.

2o. Video replay systems: Video replay systems are used to replay video content for instant replay, highlight packages, and analysis. They have limitations, such as high costs and limited storage capacity.

2p. Virtual studio technology: Virtual studio technology is used to create virtual sets in real-time broadcast. They have limitations, such as high costs and complex operations.

2q. Video asset management systems: Video asset management systems store and manage video content in various formats. They have limitations, such as limited storage capacity and compatibility with certain video codecs/formats.

2r. Audio processing equipment: Audio processing equipment is used to reduce noise, enhance tonal balance, and improve the sound quality of audio content. They have limitations such as limited amplitude (loudness) and processing capabilities.

2s. Transmitters: Transmitters are used to broadcast radio and TV signals. They have limitations such as limited ranges, vulnerability to weather, and the need for a proper frequency assignment.

2t. Test and measurement equipment: Test and measurement equipment is used to test and measure the quality of audio and video signals. They have limitations such as high costs and complex operations.

Overall, the capabilities and limitations of these broadcast technology tools depend on specific use cases, system interoperability, and advanced usage settings. Despite their limitations, these tools are essential for creating and distributing high-quality audio and video content for broadcast audiences worldwide.

3. Identify opportunities: Assess how these technologies can be used in your work or business to improve processes, increase efficiency, or boost productivity.

Generative AI can be used in your broadcast work or business to:

3a. Generate automated transcripts: AI can transcribe audio and video content automatically, making it easier to produce written content based on your broadcast.

3b. Enhance Production: AI can help reduce downtime and increase efficiency in broadcast production through the automation of routine tasks such as video editing, subtitling, or captioning.

3c. Personalize Content: AI can analyze viewer data to create targeted content resultantly enhancing viewership.

3d. Streamline Scheduling: AI can study patterns in broadcast data to help you schedule your programming and ad spots for optimum results.

3e. Improve News Coverage: AI can detect trending topics and stories mentioned on social media thus allowing for quick updates and analysis of data.

3f. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things with the technology. Test different approaches, assess results and iterate your approach.

3g. Collaborate: Work with others to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and experiment together. Remember that collaboration often leads to better outcomes than working in silos.

3h. Consider ethical implications: Be responsible and thoughtful about the impact that technology has on society and individuals. Consider ethical implications of using technologies, and champion inclusivity and equity throughout your work.

Overall, harnessing technologies effectively requires a combination of knowledge, experimentation, collaboration, and ethical considerations.

Some gaming publications and their capabilities are:

• IEEE Transactions on Games – A scholarly journal that publishes original research and case studies related to games and game AI. It covers topics such as game theory, AI algorithms for game playing, interactive storytelling, and serious games for education and health.

• Journal of Game AI – An open-access online journal that publishes papers on game AI research, from decision-making algorithms to dialogue and speech generation, procedural content generation and more.

• AI and Games – A website that focuses on using AI in game design, including exploring the latest advances in AI technology, discussing game AI case studies in commercial games, and sharing practical game development examples.

• Game AI Pro – A book series that offers a collection of practical tips and techniques for game AI programming, including topics such as AI decision-making, pathfinding, game physics, and machine learning.

• Game Programming Gems – A book series that covers game programming topics in general, but has a section dedicated to game AI. The section provides practical solutions to common game AI problems that developers may encounter.

• Gamasutra – The Art & Business of Making Games – A website that covers topics related to game development, including design, programming, audio, and AI.

• AI Game Dev – A website that provides resources for game developers looking to implement AI in their games. It offers tutorials, articles, and code examples to help developers learn how to use different AI techniques, such as neural networks, decision trees, and rule-based systems.

• International Conference on Computational Intelligence in Games – A conference that brings together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to discuss advances in game AI, computational intelligence, machine learning, and data mining.

• Foundations of Digital Games (FDG) conference – A conference that covers research and development in game design, game technology, and game AI. It includes sessions on generative storytelling, AI for player experience, and procedural content generation.

• International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games – A conference that covers a range of topics related to digital games, including game AI, game design, and game development. It provides a forum for researchers and practitioners to share their findings and work in these areas.

• IEEE Conference on Games – A conference that focuses on computer games, board games, video games, and their applications. It covers topics such as AI for gaming, mobile games, virtual and augmented reality games, and game analytics.

• Entertainment Computing Journal – A journal that covers a range of topics related to entertainment computing, including game development, game AI, virtual and augmented reality, and interactive storytelling. It provides insights into the latest research and practical applications in these areas.

Generative AI can be used in gaming work or business in several ways to improve processes, increase efficiency, and boost productivity. Here are some examples:

  1. Procedural content generation – Using generative AI techniques like neural networks and genetic algorithms, you can generate game content such as levels, textures, and characters automatically. This saves time and effort required for manual content creation and allows for infinite possibilities in content creation.
  2. Automated Testing – Generative AI can help automate the process of testing games by generating test cases and running them automatically. This saves time and reduces the risk of human error in the testing process.
  3. Intelligent NPCs – Using generative AI, you can create non-playable characters with intelligent behaviors that can adapt and learn based on player interactions. This enhances the player experience and can increase engagement.
  4. Natural Language Processing – Natural language processing techniques can be used to create more immersive dialogue and storytelling experiences in games, allowing players to interact with the game in a more natural and fluid way.
  5. Game Balancing – Generative AI can analyze player interactions with the game and provide real-time feedback to game designers for balancing game mechanics and improving gameplay.

Overall, generative AI techniques can help game developers create games more efficiently, with more creativity, and with enhanced player experiences, ultimately leading to a more productive and profitable business.

Some popular publications for streaming and cloud technology trends in the broadcast industry are Streaming Media, MediaPost, Multichannel News, and TV Technology. These sources provide up-to-date news and in-depth analysis on the latest streaming and cloud technology trends and applications for the broadcast industry.

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#cloud, Career, Cloud Editing, Digital Platforms, Employment, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Social Media, Technology

Big Name Broadcasters Are Using Cloud-based Video Editing and Publishing Platforms

Wildmoka is a cloud-based video editing and publishing platform that allows broadcasters to easily produce and publish video content across multiple platforms. (This is NOT an advertisement, other service providers are listed below, read-on).

To note a few broadcasters utilizing Wildmoka: NBC Sports & News (OTT), RMC Sport, Concacaf, Sky, TennisTV, MLS, Big East, QatarTV, Discover+, ABS•CBN, BFM.TV, France.TV, and beinSports.

NBC is using Wildmoka to produce short-form video content for social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as longer-form content for the NBC website.

RMC Sport uses Wildmoka to quickly create highlights by automating the clipping and publishing process.

Concacaf uses Wildmoka to provide match highlights and create promotional content.

Sky uses Wildmoka’s platform for real-time highlight creation and publishing across all platforms.

Tennis TV uses Wildmoka to provide live streaming, highlights, and archive content of tennis matches.

MLS uses Wildmoka to produce highlights and promotional content for their social media channels.

Qatar TV uses Wildmoka for real-time video editing and highlight creation during live events.

Big East Conference uses Wildmoka’s platform to create highlights and digital content from its live sporting events to engage with fans and grow its audience.

Discover+ is using Wildmoka to automate personalized video content for its users.

ABS-CBN uses Wildmoka’s platform to create highlights and produce digital content faster.

BFM.TV and France.TV use Wildmoka to create engaging video content by quickly curating and publishing user-generated content.

BEIN Sports uses Wildmoka for content production, particularly for their coverage of international sports events.

One of the major benefits of using Wildmoka is the speed and efficiency with which it allows Broadcasters to produce and publish their video content. The platform’s cloud-based architecture enables real-time editing, which means that the production team can quickly create and publish videos without the need for extensive post-production work. This is crucial for because it allows them to be more responsive to breaking news stories and to stay relevant in a fast-paced media environment.

Wildmoka also offers advanced analytics tools that allows Broadcasters to track the performance of their digital video content across different platforms. These tools provide insights into audience engagement, reach, and other key metrics that can help optimize video content and maximize its impact.

Overall, use of Wildmoka has helped streamline the video production process and increase the reach and engagement of their video content.

What is the basic workflow?

  1. Ingestion: The first step involves importing video content into Wildmoka’s cloud-based platform from various sources such as live feeds, archives, or social media.
  2. Curation: The content is then curated, and clips are created by either manually selecting the highlights or by setting up automated clipping rules using AI-based algorithms.
  3. Editing: The edited clips can be enhanced or edited further using Wildmoka’s cloud-based video editing tools to add graphics, text overlays, and effects.
  4. Publishing: The final edited clips are then published to various platforms such as social media, websites, or mobile applications, either manually or using automated publishing workflows.

Wildmoka’s platform streamlines the entire video production workflow, making it faster and more efficient for media companies to create, edit, and publish their content to multiple platforms.

Here are 25 other companies similar to Wildmoka, and how they differentiate themselves:

1. Vidyard – Vidyard is a video marketing platform that specializes in personalized video campaigns and analytics.

2. Brightcove – Brightcove is a leading video hosting and streaming platform for enterprise businesses.

3. Wistia – Wistia is a video hosting and analytics platform that specializes in video marketing for SMBs.

4. Animoto – Animoto is a cloud-based video creation platform that offers templates and customizable features for businesses.

5. Magisto – Magisto is a video creation platform that uses artificial intelligence to automatically create video content from user-submitted media.

6. Viddyoze – Viddyoze offers a user-friendly platform for creating and editing professional-quality video content.

7. Kapwing – Kapwing offers online video editing tools and templates for creating social media-friendly content.

8. OpenReel – OpenReel is a remote video capture platform that allows businesses to record and edit high-quality video content from anywhere in the world.

9. Lumen5 – Lumen5 is a video creation platform that uses artificial intelligence to create professional-quality videos from text-based content.

10. InVideo – InVideo offers an easy-to-use interface for creating video content with customizable templates and advanced editing tools.

11. Renderforest – Renderforest is an online video creation platform that offers a variety of templates for creating video intros, animations, presentations, and more.

12. Zoomforth – Zoomforth offers a video and media management platform for businesses that need to securely store and share video content.

13. Soapbox – Soapbox is a video creation platform designed for businesses that need to create and share video content for internal communication and training.

14. Uscreen – Uscreen offers a subscription video-on-demand platform for businesses looking to monetize their video content.

15. Hippo Video – Hippo Video is a video marketing and sales enablement platform that specializes in personalized video campaigns and lead generation.

16. Biteable – Biteable offers an online video creation platform with customizable templates and drag-and-drop editing functions.

17. Visme – Visme offers an all-in-one platform for creating visual content, including video content and animated graphics.

18. Powtoon – Powtoon is a video creation platform that specializes in animation and whiteboard videos for business and education.

19. CloudApp – CloudApp offers a screen recording and video creation platform for businesses looking to create and share instructional video content.

20. Qumu – Qumu is a video management and delivery platform for businesses that need to securely store and distribute video content.

21. Shakr – Shakr offers a platform for creating professional-quality video ads with customizable templates and easy-to-use editing tools.

22. ScreenFlow – ScreenFlow is a screen recording and video editing platform for MacOS users.

23. Vyond – Vyond offers an animation and video creation platform that specializes in creating explainer videos for business and education.

24. Animaker – Animaker is a cloud-based video creation platform that offers customizable templates and drag-and-drop editing functions for animated video content.

25. Wave.video – Wave.video is an all-in-one video marketing platform that offers customizable templates and easy-to-use editing tools for creating social media-friendly video content.

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#cloud, Agile, Career, Coding, Digital Platforms, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

Tips: Up your game, Angular, MS DevOps, SW Dev w/.NET

Angular, MS Dev Ops, and software development with .NET, you can follow these steps:

1. Understand the technology: The first step is to understand what each of these technologies is and what they are used for. Angular is a popular front-end framework for building web applications, while Microsoft DevOps is a suite of tools and services for continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) of software. .NET is a widely-used framework for building scalable, reliable, and robust software applications.

2. If you are not sure, try to be more specific and clarify.

3. Identify the key points: Determine the key point(s). This will help you focus your solution and provide a clear, concise response.

4. Provide a relevant information: Once you understand the problem to solve, and its key points, provide a relevant and accurate solution. You may want to draw on your own experience or research to support your findings.

5. Be clear and concise: Make sure your solution presentation is clear and concise, using plain language instead of technical jargon. Avoid going off on tangents or providing irrelevant information.

6. Check for understanding: Once you’ve provided your response, make sure the client asking fit the information understands your response. Encourage them to ask follow-up questions if they need further clarification.

Angular is a front-end web application framework developed by Google. It is designed to make building complex and dynamic web applications easier and more efficient. Here is a brief overview of how Angular works and how to implement it:

1. Component-based architecture: Angular works on a component-based architecture in which each application is divided into small, reusable components. Each component has its own logic, template, and styling and they communicate with each other via input/output.

2. TypeScript: Angular is built on top of TypeScript, which is a superset of JavaScript that adds static types, classes, and interfaces. This makes Angular code more structured and easier to maintain.

3. Reactive programming: Angular uses reactive programming, which is a programming model that enables the creation of asynchronous and event-driven applications. In Angular, reactive programming is achieved through the use of RxJS, which is a library for reactive programming in JavaScript.

4. Dependency injection: Angular provides dependency injection, which is a design pattern that helps manage the dependencies of different components in an application. Dependency injection makes it easier to write modular, testable code.

To implement Angular, follow these steps:

1. Install Node.js: Angular requires Node.js to be installed on your system.

2. Install the Angular CLI: The Angular CLI is a command-line interface for creating, building, and testing Angular applications. You can install it using the following command: `npm install -g @angular/cli`

3. Create a new Angular project: Use the command `ng new <project-name>` to create a new Angular project.

4. Create a new component: Components are the building blocks of an Angular application. You can create a new component using the command `ng generate component <component-name>`.

5. Add routing and navigation: Angular provides a powerful routing and navigation system that allows you to handle navigation between different components. You can add routing and navigation by modifying the `app-routing.module.ts` file.

6. Build and run the application: Use the command `ng serve` to build and run the application on a local development server.

This is just a brief overview of how to implement Angular. To fully master Angular, you should learn about its different features and modules, such as services, directives, pipes, and forms.

Microsoft DevOps is a suite of tools and services for continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) of software. It includes the following components:

1. Azure DevOps Services: a cloud-based platform for managing the entire DevOps lifecycle.

2. Azure DevOps Server: an on-premises version of Azure DevOps Services.

3. Azure Artifacts: a software package management system.

4. Azure Test Plans: a testing service for web and desktop applications.

5. Azure Boards: a project management service.

CI/CD is a software development methodology that aims to deliver code changes more frequently and reliably. Continuous Integration (CI) is the practice of automating the build and testing of code changes. Continuous Deployment (CD) is the practice of automatically deploying code changes to production.

CI/CD pipelines are used to implement CI/CD. They automate the build, test, and deployment processes to ensure that changes are thoroughly tested and validated before they are released. The pipeline consists of several stages, including build, test, and deployment, with each stage being automated and executed in a predefined order.

To implement CI/CD, you need to:

1. Set up a source code repository, such as Git.

2. Define a pipeline that automates the build, test, and deployment stages.

3. Configure the pipeline to trigger automatically when changes are made to the code repository.

4. Configure the pipeline to deploy changes to a test environment for validation.

5. Configure the pipeline to deploy changes to production once they have been validated.

6. Monitor the pipeline to ensure that it is running smoothly, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Overall, CI/CD helps software teams to build, test, and deploy code changes faster and with greater reliability, while also reducing costs and improving quality.

#cloud, Career, Cisco, Digital Platforms, Technology

Examples of Cisco’s Broadcasting Innovations

I’m not touting any one product or brand. I am trying to give some in-depth abbreviated information on different products. Please reach out if you’d like me to cover a specific product, or aspect of how it works.

1. Cisco’s Media Blueprint: In 2020, Cisco launched a Media Blueprint initiative to help media companies transition to IP-based broadcasting. The blueprint includes hardware, software, and network components that are designed to help media organizations improve agility, scalability, and efficiency.

2. Media Services Proxy: Cisco’s Media Services Proxy is a software solution that helps broadcasters to manage and deliver video streams across multiple platforms and devices. This cloud-based solution provides adaptive bit rate streaming, content encryption, and other features that are critical to modern broadcasting.

3. Acquisition of Scientific Atlanta: In 2006, Cisco acquired Scientific Atlanta, a leading provider of video production equipment and solutions. This acquisition helped Cisco to expand its portfolio of video-related products and services, and to become a major player in the broadcasting industry.

4. Partnership with NBC Olympics: In 2016, Cisco partnered with NBC Olympics to help deliver video coverage of the Rio Olympics to viewers around the world. Cisco provided networking infrastructure, video processing technology, and other solutions to help NBC deliver high-quality, low-latency video streams during the games.

Overall, Cisco has a strong presence in the broadcasting industry, with a range of products and services that help to improve the efficiency, quality, and scalability of video content delivery.

Cisco’s IP-based broadcasting blueprint is a comprehensive framework that provides media organizations with a variety of hardware, software, and network components to help them transition to an IP-based broadcasting infrastructure. 

This blueprint is designed to help organizations improve agility, scalability, and efficiency by providing them with a flexible and scalable platform for content delivery. Here are some key elements of the blueprint:

1. IP-based infrastructure: The blueprint is built on an IP-based infrastructure that provides a flexible and scalable platform for content delivery. This infrastructure includes hardware and software components that help to simplify workflows and improve efficiency.

2. Media processing: Cisco’s blueprint includes a variety of media processing tools that enable organizations to ingest, process, and distribute media content across multiple platforms and devices. These tools include transcoders, encoders, content delivery networks, and other solutions.

3. Networking and security: The blueprint also includes networking and security solutions that help to ensure that media content is delivered reliably and securely. These solutions include routers, switches, firewalls, and other network appliances that are specifically designed for media organizations.

4. Monitoring and analytics: Cisco’s IP-based broadcasting blueprint includes monitoring and analytics tools that help organizations to optimize their workflows and improve quality of service. These tools include real-time monitoring, trend analysis, and other solutions that provide valuable insights into media content delivery.

Overall, Cisco’s IP-based broadcasting blueprint provides media organizations with a comprehensive framework that helps them to transition to an IP-based infrastructure. By providing a wide range of hardware, software, and network components, the blueprint enables organizations to improve agility, scalability, and efficiency while delivering high-quality media content across multiple platforms and devices.

Cisco offers a variety of media processing tools that are part of its IP-based broadcasting blueprint.Here are some of the product names of Cisco’s media processing tools along with the specific products they work with:

1. Cisco Media Processing Platform (MPP): MPP is a platform for building media processing applications using open APIs. It can work with a variety of Cisco hardware products, including the UCS C-Series and B-Series servers, and the ASR 1000 and ISR G2 routers.

2. Cisco Transcoding Manager (CTM): CTM is a software-based transcoding solution that can transcode video content in real-time for delivery across different networks and devices. It works with Cisco’s D9800 Network Transport Receiver and other hardware products.

3. Cisco Video Processing Analytics (VPA): VPA is a real-time video analytics tool that provides insights into video quality, audience behavior, and other metrics. It works with Cisco’s DCM and PRM platforms.

4. Cisco AnyRes Live: AnyRes Live is a cloud-based video processing solution that enables live video encoding, transcoding, and distribution to multiple devices and platforms. It can work with a variety of Cisco hardware and software products, including the ASR 1000 router, the UCS C-Series server, and the cloud-based Cisco Streaming Services platform.

These are just a few examples of the media processing tools offered by Cisco. The specific products that each tool works with may vary depending on the particular solution and deployment.

Cisco Routers with & without PTP

Cisco routers can support Precision Time Protocol (PTP) to provide accurate time synchronization between different devices, networks, and applications. PTP is commonly used in industrial applications such as power grids, telecommunications, and automation to ensure precise timekeeping for critical processes.

Cisco offers a wide range of routers with and without PTP support. Some of the popular router series that offer PTP support include:

1. Cisco 829 Industrial Integrated Services Router: this router is designed for industrial and mobile applications and supports both PTPv1 and PTPv2.

2. Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Router: this router offers carrier-class performance and supports PTPv2 for accurate time synchronization.

3. Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series Switches: these switches can be used as routers and support PTPv2 for accurate time synchronization in enterprise networks.

4. Cisco ISR 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers: these routers support PTPv2 and offer high-performance routing and security features for branch offices and small to medium-sized businesses.

On the other hand, there are also Cisco routers that do not support PTP, which may be more suitable for customers who do not require precise time synchronization. Some examples of Cisco routers without PTP support include:

1. Cisco 800 Series Integrated Services Routers: these routers are designed for small businesses and home offices and do not support PTP.

2. Cisco 1900 Series Integrated Services Routers: these routers offer advanced threat protection and VPN connectivity but do not support PTP.

3. Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers: these routers offer a high-performance and secure platform for medium-sized businesses and do not support PTP.

It is important to note that the availability of PTP support may vary depending on the specific router model and the software version running on it.  It is always recommended to consult Cisco documentation.

If you have any questions or comments please hit me up.  If you “like” this content please 👍 

Thank you,

Nic

#cloud, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

Broadcasting Tips: CDNs, How They Work & How to integrate them.

A CDN (Content Delivery Network) is a geographically distributed network of servers that helps deliver content (such as web pages, images, videos, etc.) to users from servers that are geographically closer to them, resulting in faster page load times and better user experience.


A CDN typically works by storing cached copies of a website’s content on multiple servers distributed across different geographic locations, called edge servers. When a user requests content from the website, the CDN automatically redirects the request to the server that is geographically closest to the user, reducing latency and minimizing network congestion. The CDN also helps to distribute network load and protect against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, among other benefits.

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a network of servers spread across different geographic locations that work to deliver content to end-users in the fastest and most efficient way possible. Load balancing is a technique used by CDNs to distribute traffic among multiple servers.

The goal of load balancing is to prevent any single server from becoming overwhelmed with traffic, which can lead to slowdowns, errors, and user dissatisfaction. By distributing traffic across multiple servers, load balancing helps to ensure that each server processes a reasonable amount of traffic at any given time.

CDNs use load balancing to accomplish several important goals, including but not limited to:

1. Improved performance: By distributing traffic across multiple servers, CDNs can minimize latency, reduce packet loss, and improve overall performance for end-users.

2. High availability: Load balancing helps CDNs to maintain high availability by distributing traffic to backup servers if a primary server fails or experiences downtime.

3. Scaling: Load balancing makes it easier for CDNs to scale their infrastructure up or down based on traffic demand. This can help them avoid overprovisioning or underprovisioning their resources, which can be costly or result in performance issues.

Load balancing is a critical component of CDN infrastructure, helping to ensure that content delivery is fast, reliable, and scalable.


Edge servers are a key component of CDN architecture. They are small-scale data centers that are strategically placed in multiple distributed locations around the world, as close to end-users as possible.

When a user requests content from a website, the nearest edge server to the user intercepts the request and serves the cached content that exists on that edge server itself. If the content is not available, the edge server pulls it from the origin server, caches it locally, and then serves it to the requesting user.

Edge servers are designed to handle high traffic loads and to deliver content with low latency and minimal network congestion. They help improve the performance and reliability of websites by reducing the distance that data needs to travel, and by distributing network load across multiple servers.

Choose a CDN provider: There are many CDN providers available, such as (in no particular order):

  1. Cloudflare
  2. Akamai
  3. Amazon CloudFront
  4. Fastly
  5. Limelight Networks
  6. StackPath
  7. Verizon Media
  8. KeyCDN
  9. CDN77
  10. BunnyCDN
  11. Incapsula
  12. Google Cloud CDN
  13. Alibaba Cloud CDN
  14. Microsoft Azure CDN
  15. Rackspace CDN
  16. CacheFly
  17. Peer5
  18. Edgecast
  19. SoftLayer CDN
  20. Tata Communications CDN
  21. CDNify
  22. CDNsun
  23. Section.io
  24. OnApp CDN
  25. G-Core Labs
  26. LeaseWeb CDN
  27. QUANTIL
  28. CDN.net
  29. Sucuri
  30. Highwinds CDN
  31. CDNvideo
  32. Medianova
  33. Swarmify
  34. NTT Communications CDN
  35. Velocix
  36. Aryaka
  37. Yottaa
  38. Zenlayer
  39. Cedexis
  40. Verizon Digital Media Services
  41. CenturyLink CDN
  42. Comcast CDN
  43. Lumen CDN
  44. OVH CDN
  45. Cedexis Openmix
  46. SkyparkCDN
  47. CDNlion
  48. Level 3 CDN
  49. CDNetworks
  50. Hibernia CDN

Choose a provider that suits your needs.

Here are the general steps to set-up / integrate a CDN:

  1. Sign up for the CDN service: Sign up for the CDN service and create an account.
  2. Configure your origin server: Configure your origin server to allow CDN access by Whitelisting the CDN provider’s IP addresses.
  3. Create a CNAME record: Create a CNAME record that points to your CDN provider’s domain name. For example, if your CDN provider’s domain name is cdn.example.com, create a CNAME record for cdn.yourdomain.com that points to cdn.example.com.
  4. Test your CDN: Test your CDN to make sure it’s working properly.
  5. Configure caching settings: Set caching rules for your CDN, including the duration of the cache lifetime and how frequently the CDN should check for updates.
  6. Configure security settings: Set security rules to protect your content and prevent unauthorized access.
  7. Monitor your CDN: Monitor your CDN to ensure it’s performing as expected and make adjustments as necessary.

If you have any questions or comments please leave them.

Please like if this content is helpful…

#cloud, Agile, Career, Coding, Digital Platforms, Employment, Financial, Mentoring, Technology

Broadcast Standards: Agile Methodologies & the Stakeholders They Effect

 Agile methodologies are a set of practices that help teams to be more flexible and responsive to change. They emphasize the importance of frequent communication, collaboration, and continuous delivery of working software. 

Agile methodologies include, but are not limited to:

1. Scrum: Scrum is an Agile methodology that focuses on delivering a potentially releasable product increment at the end of each iteration. It is based on an empirical process framework with predefined roles, ceremonies, and artifacts.

2. Kanban: Kanban is an Agile methodology that emphasizes flow efficiency and not delivery speed. It is based on a visual management system that helps team members visualize work items, track progress, and reduce waste.

3. Lean: Lean is an Agile methodology that emphasizes delivering customer value with the minimum possible waste. It is based on the concepts of eliminating waste, continuous improvement, and creating pull-based systems.

4. Extreme Programming (XP): XP is an Agile methodology that emphasizes software engineering best practices to enable teams to deliver high-quality software. It is based on the practices of test-driven development, pair programming, continuous integration, and frequent releases.

5. Crystal: Crystal is an Agile methodology that is based on the philosophy of adapting to the needs of the project at hand. It is designed to be lightweight and flexible, and focuses on communication and collaboration between team members.

6. Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM): DSDM is an Agile methodology that is based on a project framework that emphasizes collaboration, iterative development, and continual business involvement.

7. Feature-Driven Development (FDD): FDD is an Agile methodology that focuses on delivering tangible, working software features. It is based on five iterative and incremental processes, which include developing an overall model, building a feature list, planning by feature, designing by feature, and building by feature.

8. Adaptive Software Development (ASD): ASD is an Agile methodology that focuses on continuous refinement, cooperation, and communication between the development team and the stakeholders. It is based on the principles of collaboration, self-organization, and rapid adaptation.

9. Rapid Application Development (RAD): RAD is an Agile methodology that emphasizes speedy development and prototyping. It is based on the principles of iterative development, continuous user involvement, and rapid feedback.

10. Agile Unified Process (AUP): AUP is an Agile methodology that is based on the principles of simplicity, agility, and adaptability. It is a hybrid methodology that combines the principles of Agile development with best practices from the Unified Process.

11. Agile Modelling (AM): AM is an Agile methodology that emphasizes collaboration and communication between developers, stakeholders, and users. It is based on the principles of iterative development, frequent feedback, and frequent releases.

12. Scrumban: Scrumban is a hybrid Agile methodology that combines the principles of Scrum and Kanban. It is designed to help teams transition from Scrum to Kanban, or to combine the best practices of both methodologies. It is based on visualizing work, limiting work in progress, and continuously improving the process.

• Different methodologies can be used for different teams in the same company.

The goal of Agile is to help teams deliver high-quality software that meets the customer’s needs, while at the same time adapting to changing requirements and priorities. Agile methodologies promote a culture of continuous improvement, where teams strive to deliver better software with each iteration.

Agile processes in broadcast television refer to the application of Agile methodologies in the production and delivery of TV shows and programs. 

These processes involve breaking down the production process into smaller, more manageable tasks called “sprints,” each of which is completed within a set period of time. 

During these sprints, cross-functional teams of writers, producers, editors, and others collaborate closely to create and refine content, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and viewers along the way. 

This approach emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, allowing teams to make adjustments as needed throughout the production process. It also helps to prioritize the most important features or elements in a show, ensuring that they are delivered on time and within budget. 

Overall, Agile processes can help broadcast television teams work more efficiently and effectively, producing high-quality content that meets the needs of viewers and stakeholders alike.

Who are the stakeholders?

The stakeholders in broadcasting can vary depending on the type of broadcasting organization and its business model. However, in general, the following groups are typically considered stakeholders in broadcasting:

1. Audience: The people who use and consume broadcast content, including TV and radio viewers and listeners, website and app users, and social media followers.

2. Advertisers and sponsors: Companies and organizations that pay to advertise or sponsor content on broadcast media.

3. Government regulators: Organizations that regulate broadcasting operations and programming content, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and Ofcom in the United Kingdom.

4. Shareholders and investors: Individuals or organizations that own a stake in the broadcasting company, including stockholders and venture capitalists.

5. Employees and talent: Those who work for the broadcasting company, including executives, producers, directors, writers, actors, and technicians.

6. Independent producers and studios: Production companies or studios that sell content to the broadcasting company.

7. Industry partners: Partners and suppliers who contribute to the creation and distribution of broadcast content, including equipment manufacturers, technology companies, and distributors.

Please reach out with any questions, and like if you found this information useful.

#cloud, Career, Cloud Providers, Coding, Digital Platforms, Employment, Technology

Designing Fault-Tolerant and Highly Available Services on AWS.

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is a web-based cloud computing service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that enables users to rent virtual computers on which they can run their own applications. EC2 allows users to quickly and easily provision a virtual machine (i.e., an instance) with the desired configuration, including a choice of operating system, CPU, memory, storage, and network options. 

Users can choose from a wide selection of instance types optimized for different workloads, including general-purpose, compute-optimized, memory-optimized, and storage-optimized instances. EC2 also provides other features such as Auto Scaling, which allows users to automatically adjust the number of instances based on demand, and Elastic Load Balancing, which distributes incoming traffic across multiple EC2 instances.

EC2 instances can be used for a variety of purposes, including hosting websites and web applications, running database servers, processing big data and analytics workloads, and running machine learning and AI algorithms. Users can pay for EC2 instances on a pay-as-you-go basis or opt for reserved instances to save money on long-term usage. EC2 also integrates with other AWS services, such as Amazon S3 for storage and Amazon RDS for managed databases, to provide a complete cloud computing solution.

Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service) is a managed database service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that makes it easy to set up, operate, and scale a relational database in the cloud. With Amazon RDS, users can choose from several popular database engines, such as Amazon Aurora, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server, and run them in a fully managed environment, with automatic software patching, backup and recovery, and scaling.

Amazon RDS takes care of routine database tasks such as hardware provisioning, database setup, patching, backup, and recovery, leaving users free to focus on their core business applications. RDS also provides several scaling options, such as horizontal scaling using Read Replicas and vertical scaling using Elastic Inference, to meet the changing demands of applications.

With RDS, users can choose between several deployment options, such as single-AZ, multi-AZ, and global databases, to achieve the desired level of availability and performance for their applications. RDS also integrates with other AWS services, such as Amazon EC2, AWS Lambda, and Amazon CloudWatch, to provide a complete cloud computing solution.

By using Amazon RDS, users can achieve cost savings, higher availability, and better scalability than traditional on-premise database solutions while benefiting from the flexibility and agility of the cloud.

Note: Amazon EC2, AWS Lambda, and Amazon CloudWatch are three different services provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that serve different purposes:

1. Amazon EC2 is a web-based cloud computing service that allows users to rent virtual machines to run their applications. EC2 allows users to choose the configuration of their virtual machines, such as the operating system, CPU, memory, storage, and network options. Users can run a wide variety of applications on EC2, including web servers, databases, and analytics tools.

2. AWS Lambda is a serverless computing service that allows users to run code without provisioning or managing servers. With Lambda, users simply upload their code to AWS and Lambda takes care of running and scaling it in response to incoming requests. This enables users to build highly scalable, event-driven applications without worrying about managing infrastructure.

3. Amazon CloudWatch is a monitoring and management service for AWS resources. CloudWatch collects and tracks metrics, logs, and events from various AWS services, including EC2 and Lambda, and provides a unified view of the operational health of the services. CloudWatch also provides alerts and notifications based on predefined thresholds, enabling users to take corrective action proactively.

In summary, Amazon EC2 provides virtual machines for running applications, AWS Lambda provides a serverless computing environment for running code, and Amazon CloudWatch provides monitoring and management for AWS resources. While they can be used together, they serve different purposes and are designed to meet different needs.

Reach out with questions, and feel free to leave comments!