Open Caching Frequently Asked Questions

The types of data made available from specific Open Caching APIs is documented in their respective specification documents. JSON packages and data structures are also cove

The short answer is “yes.” Because of the programmatic nature of Open Caching Nodes, they can be managed in much the same way. But, the interoperability between caches, when they are comprised of multiple vendors or technologies, is greatly enhanced when they are all compliant with the Open Caching specifications. Being compliant doesn’t change the nature or functionality of the cache. It simply allows the operator to manage them collectively, sharing data gathered from all caches with others in the value chain (such as content rights holders)

Yes. Several major operators have embraced Open Caching as well as some streaming providers. You can read about some of these implementations on the case studies page.

The Open Caching specifications do not define an operating system. Rather, they define functionality and how that can be implemented programmatically (i.e., via APIs). So, you can build an Open Caching Node in whatever technologies you want but the implementation should conform to the specifications for logging, content management, capacity, etc. Doing so will enable the Node to be connected to an Open Caching Network which may include all types of different caching implementations and technologies.

Open Caching Nodes are intended to be interoperable. Through programmatic interfaces (i.e., APIs), a streaming provider can manage Open Caching Nodes using whatever management systems or means they currently have. Other caches or reverse proxies, such as NGINX and Varnish, may be Open Caching compliant making it easier to manage a mixed environment of caching systems.

The specifications which define Open Caching, once they have been ratified by the Streaming Video Technology Alliance board and membership, are available free-of-charge to the public. Some vendors are offering commercialized versions of Open Caching technology. They provide managed support and other benefits that you wouldn’t get if you took the specifications and/or code and built an Open Caching network yourselves.

Yes. In order to participate in the development of either the Open Caching specifications or code projects, you must be a Principal member of the Streaming Video Technology Alliance.