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Santa vs. Parents: Which has the best distribution model?

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I thought it would be interesting on Christmas eve to compare the two models of distributing presents (content/services). I have put together a short list of features for each model.

Santa (Server/Cloud) has a global approach to delivering presents.

  • Single source for distribution.
  • Strict service level agreements to deliver all presents by morning.
  • Centrally located.
  • Single source for all content (elves making toys).
  • Large support workforce behind the scenes (elves keep everything running smooth).
  • Course security model, Naughty or Nice. And the list is only checked twice.
  • Must break laws of physics to meet service level agreements.

Parents (Edge computing) has a distributed approach to delivering presents.

  • Only need to deliver presents (content) to a small number of children (users).
  • No service level agreements, but rarely goes down. And outages only effect a small number of users.
  • Multi-sourced content (Walmart, Target, Amazon etc).
  • Small (1or 2) people support workforce.
  • More granular security model. Able to consider more data points in real-time to determine, naughty or nice.
  • More personal support services.

Both models have their advantages and disadvantages. I think that the best approach is to use both models together. This is the foundation of S+S. Use the richness and power of edge devices such as Windows to leverage the services in the cloud. Just like Santa and parents working together to deliver the best possible experience for the children.

Merry Christmas.

Please leave me your own points in the comments.

Published Wednesday, December 24, 2008 5:38 PM by pstubbs

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Comments

# Santa vs. Parents: Which has the best distribution model? | Coded Style

# re: Santa vs. Parents: Which has the best distribution model?

This is a very cute comparison.  What a fun read it was.  :)

Thursday, December 25, 2008 5:11 AM by AngelaE8654

# re: Santa vs. Parents: Which has the best distribution model?

Interesting to read, Nice article

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 8:24 AM by alagausun

# re: Santa vs. Parents: Which has the best distribution model?

Wow that was really a post worth reading.

Good comparison :)

Saturday, April 18, 2009 2:53 AM by Jack Article

# I second that

I second that,

nice reading thx for sharing.

Friday, May 01, 2009 8:54 PM by Tanya

# re: Santa vs. Parents: Which has the best distribution model?

You've forgot the main idea: Santa distributes presents 1 day a year while parents have to make presents many times.

For that reason Santa may break laws of physics :)

Tuesday, May 05, 2009 8:56 AM by Forever

# re: Santa vs. Parents: Which has the best distribution model?

I love this analogy.  A single santa is a single point of failure.  I think we need a few santas to create redundancy.  I mean taken to an ultimate extreme, there are no parents.  Kids buy their own gifts.  

Thursday, May 07, 2009 4:20 PM by Chris @ Terrible Twos

# re: Santa vs. Parents: Which has the best distribution model?

Love this post. Thanks for sharing!

Friday, June 19, 2009 4:37 AM by leiaquinto919

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