Real Content without a Real Server
How to Set up Content without a Real Server
Real Content with a Real Server
Our Real Server Service
How to Set up Content with Our Real Server Service

Real Content without a Real Server

Real Networks has come out with RealPlayer 5.0, of which one feature is the ability to play files delivered via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). What this means is that now streaming audio can be delivered in the same manner as a gif or text file without requiring Progressive Network's proprietary PNM protocol.

What does this mean to OfficeOnWeb's customers?  Anyone may have RA files served from their pages without using a Real Server. Also, because these files are being served via HTTP, the overall server load should remain about the same, because one RA file is like several web pages; HTTP doesn't care what type of files it is serving - it just knows to push files out!

How to Set up Content without a Real Server

After you have created your .ra file with your Real tools, you would create a text file with the extension .ram. In this text file, you would make a reference to your .ra file so that the server can serve it. The contents of the file would be:

http://yourdomain.com/path_to_file/file.ra

On your web page, you would reference the Ram file, NOT the .ra file (i.e., http://yourdomain.com/path_to_file/file.ram). If you reference the .ra file, it will download completely to the client system before playing. The Ram file is the one that facilitates streaming audio.

Real Content with a Real Server

Why would you want to use a Real Server?  If you are serving large or high-quality files, you may want to consider using the PNM protocol. HTTP is not quite as robust as PNM and HTTP is best suited for those serving smaller files or not insistent upon the absolute best sound quality. 

We have recently made available Real Server service on a new dedicated server, for those OfficeOnWeb customers who are in need of the PNM protocol.   Please see below for details.  If you are not interested in our service, but rather wish to setup a Real Server yourself in your directory structure, you may; however, we will not provide any tech support on the setup or the running of it.

Our Real Server Service

OfficeOnWeb customers can obtain an account on our new dedicated Real Server. The cost is $10/month. It would provide the customer with 5 streams. 

If you are interested in this service, please contact our Sales Office toll-free at 1-888-932-2010.  For international callers, please use our standard line at 407.772.0454.  Alternatively, you may order this service by filling in our on-line A La Carte Order Form.

How to Set up Content with Our Real Server Service

After you setup a Real Server Account with us, and after you have created your files with your Real tools, you will need to transfer those files to our Real Server.  This will need to be done with an FTP program.  We highly recommend our FTP tutorials, for general instructions. You will need to use:

                        ra.officeonweb.com

for the Host name Address. Use your account's user id and password as you would normally.

Please contact us if you have any questions.