A selection of white papers and ebooks authored or co-authored by Benjamin Schwarz over three decades — most commissioned by industry clients, a few self-published by CTOiC. Topics span video delivery, CDN architecture, home networking, sustainability and immersive media.
Video Delivery & Streaming
The Impact of Adaptive Rate Streaming: A Primer for Digital TV Executives
2010 — Commissioned by Harmonic & Verimatrix
One of the earliest industry papers on adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming — the technology that now underpins every major streaming service on earth. Written when HLS, DASH and Smooth Streaming were still competing approaches, this primer explains the technology, the business implications, and the road ahead for content owners, operators and vendors.
OTT Video: Strategy and Technology
2012
A comprehensive examination of the over-the-top video landscape at a pivotal moment — when OTT was transitioning from disruptive experiment to mainstream delivery model. Covers business models, technology choices, and the strategic implications for traditional broadcasters and telcos.
Streaming Ecosystem
Commissioned by MediaExcel / USP
A map of the streaming ecosystem for operators and content owners navigating an increasingly complex vendor landscape.
Streaming Premium Audio
Commissioned by DTS / USP
The case for immersive, high-quality audio as a differentiator in streaming — covering the technology, the consumer experience, and the business opportunity.
Keeping Control in the Age of Android TV
2019 — Commissioned by Broadpeak & iFeelSmart
As Android TV emerged as a platform of choice for operators, this ebook examines what it means for control, user experience and the operator relationship — and how to navigate the transition without ceding strategic ground.
CDN & Network Architecture
CDN 3.0: The Next Generation of Content Delivery
2013
As CDN technology matured from a caching workaround into a strategic infrastructure layer, this paper mapped the architectural shifts — multi-CDN strategies, cloud integration, and the emerging role of CDNs in QoE management.
Umbrella CDNs and CDN Selection
2014
The emerging market for CDN orchestration and multi-CDN switching — how operators and content owners can optimise performance and cost across multiple CDN providers.
Systems Integration for Operators
2015 — CTOiC
The case for operators to take ownership of systems integration rather than delegating it to vendors — covering control, agility, and the long-term strategic implications of integration choices.
Home Networking & Connected Home
Service Providers and the Smart Home
2012
An early analysis of the smart home opportunity for telecoms operators — written when connected home was still more aspiration than market reality. Covers the home gateway’s role as the linchpin of the connected home ecosystem.
Sustainability of the Home LAN
2023 — Commissioned by SoftAtHome with Orange, Broadpeak & Sagemcom
An operator-led ecosystem approach to understanding and managing the environmental impact of the home network — combining deep home networking expertise with a sustainability lens.
Immersive Media
360 Degrees of Video Opportunity: An Operator Gateway into Virtual Reality
2018
Written at the peak of the VR360 investment wave, this ebook examines the opportunity for operators — the content economics, the delivery challenges, and what it would take to cross the chasm from impressive demo to sustainable service.
More papers available on request. If you are looking for a specific piece of research or would like to commission a white paper, get in touch.