Yima: a second-generation continuous media server

Continuous media data requires a streaming architecture that can manage real-time delivery constraints and address the large size of CM objects. Although commercial systems ordinarily use proprietary technology and algorithms, making it difficult to compare their products with research prototypes, the authors have designed and developed Yima, a second-generation CM server that demonstrates several advanced concepts. Although this system has not yet achieved the refinement of commercial solutions, it is operational and incorporates lessons learned from first-generation research prototypes, including complete distribution, efficient online scalability, and synchronization of several media streams within a single frame. The paper discusses the multinode server architecture.