WO2006040587A1

WO2006040587A1 - Content delivery system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2006040587A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/003987
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Paul Davies
Original assignee: Stephen Paul Davies
Priority date: 2004-10-15
Filing date: 2005-10-14
Publication date: 2006-04-20
Also published as: GB0422984D0

Abstract

A distribution system for distributing content to a system user is described. The system comprises a first server comprising means for estate fishing a connection with a user at a remotely located user terminal, and a content server operably connected to the first server and arranged to store one or more content files wherein upon receipt of a request from the user for content stored on the content server the first server creates a link to the content on the content server such that upon selection of the link by the user in use the requested content streams from the content server to the user terminal.

Description

CONTENT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of content delivery systems and in particular to a system and method for the delivery of music, video and other digital content over a computer network, for example the Internet.

Background of the Invention

In recent years there has been rapid growth in the delivery of digital content, such as music and video files, over wide area computer networks. Audio media distribution in particular has become increasingly popular and available to the public. Distribution systems for the supply of audio files (in MP3 or NETrax type formats) to users have generally been purchase orientated with users having direct access to audio files for download to their local PCs or music players.

In general audio distribution systems have tended to operate along the following lines. A user wishing to obtain a particular music track would send a request to the audio distribution system over the Internet for the specific (MP3) file. In exchange for payment the distribution system would then transfer the music track from the storage database associated with system to an offline storage area, e.g. the user's PC. Once the file had been downloaded the user can then transfer the track to their own music player. There are, however, a number of disadvantages associated with such systems. For example, once downloaded, the file (track) could be accessed by other users who have not paid for the file. Also, the original user could distribute the track they have downloaded to other non paying users.

In addition to the system described above there have been numerous online file "sharing" based systems where users make music tracks available for sharing with other online users. However, such distribution systems were (and are) generally not compliant with copyright laws and deprive the music rights holders of remuneration. Indeed such online file sharing systems have become synonymous with illegal downloading of MP3 music files and at their peak a few years ago accounted for the distribution of around 100 Million sound files per day. While many of these online distribution systems have been stopped recent figures from the UK BPI suggest that around 92% of individuals downloading music in the UK may be doing so illegally.

In response to the clear demand for music download services a number of legal websites have appeared over the past few years, e.g. those run by Apple^®, Coca-Cola^® and Virgin^®. These sites require the user to pay a small premium for each download but have become popular due to their relatively low cost and also the safeguards available on such systems against corrupted files (a problem which characterised many of the illegal file sharing systems).

In an attempt to tackle the problems noted above, where initially legally obtained downloads are then either copied by non-paying users or re-distributed by the initial user, the recent legal file download systems have proposed a variety of means, often termed digital rights management, in which to track or restrict downloaded files.

International patent application WO 00/43904, for example, discloses a system in which a user subscribes to a website thereby enabling access to an area of the site from which extracts of files can be accessed. Complete music files can also be downloaded from this restricted area of the website. In order to prevent illegal re¬ distribution of downloaded files, each downloaded file is assigned an identifier key which uniquely identifies the user's PC. A further key is also transferred to the user's hard drive. Only when the file key and hard drive key match can the file be played by the user.

This system still suffers from disadvantages. The file extract that the user can listen to is directly accessible to the user thereby making it vulnerable to illegal copying and distribution. Furthermore, the complete file once downloaded is directly accessible to the user and the digital rights management measures to prevent illegal copying/distribution have proved to be complex and sometimes ineffective.

International patent application WO 00/62265 discloses a further distribution system which attempts to address unlawful distribution of files by providing for a secure distribution method. The system comprises a music distribution centre which interfaces with a media-licensing centre. A content manager maintains a transaction database that tracks every stage of the purchase distribution of audio files and the system further employs encryption techniques to safeguard transferred files. However, the system is inherently complex and difficult to maintain and further necessitates extensive e-commerce software that also introduces security risks.

A further disadvantage present with the variety of different legal download sites that are available is the range of different formats that are used. Although the music industry has used the MP3 format for audio files the appearance of proprietary portable music players such as the Apple iPod^® and Sony Walkman^® has resulted in different formats (AAC for Apple and ATRACs for Sony) being used for music downloads. The presence of a variety of different formats has lead to incompatibility problems for consumers in that their chosen media player may not be compatible with the format of the desired music file.

A further disadvantage with some current music distribution systems is that in an attempt to prevent the direct burning of unpurchased music files onto CDs digital information is "streamed" to a user's PC at a bit rate of less than 44kHz. The resultant sound quality is therefore not optimum.

Although the above discussion has been centred on the downloading of music files it is equally applicable to other digital content that user's may wish to access. In particular the provision of TV or movies on demand over the Internet is a rapidly growing technology area and the first portable audio/visual devices are appearing in the market place. It is therefore noted that many or all of the above problems will also affect video downloads. Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or mitigate the above mentioned problems with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the system comprising: a first server comprising means for establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located user terminal; and a content server operably connected to the first server and arranged to store one or more content files; wherein upon receipt of a request from the user for content stored on the content server the first server creates a link to the content on the content server such that upon selection of the link by the user in use the requested content streams from the content server to the user terminal.

The present invention provides for a distribution system comprising two separate servers, the first of which interacts with a system user and the second of which stores the content to be distributed. In use a user connects to the first server, for example via a suitable web page interface, and requests content from the system. The first server is in communication with the content server and creates a link (e.g. a hyperlink or shortcut link) to the requested content which the user can then access. Selection of the generated link by the user initiates the streaming of the selected content from the second (content) server directly to the user's terminal.

The above described distribution system substantially overcomes many of the stated problems with the prior art. It is noted that content files are not downloaded to the user's terminal and instead the content is streamed to the user. The user is therefore not in possession of a copy of the content files on his hard drive and consequently it is much harder for the content to be illegally copied.

Further, it is noted that by streaming the content (to a suitable media player such as Winamp for example) there are none of the above mentioned incompatibility problems associated with the range of download formats that are currently available.

It is also noted that by streaming the content to the user there is no need for the system to incorporate complex and potentially ineffective anti-copying countermeasures within the content files since the user does not receive a copy of the content file (and therefore will not be in a position to attempt to circumvent such measures).

In the present invention the first server which the user interacts with (the "interface" server) is separate to the location where the content is actually stored. This therefore increases the security of the system and helps mitigate against unauthorised access of the content server. It is also noted that the user does not gain direct access to the content server under the present invention. Instead, interaction with the content server is controlled by the first server therefore increasing the security of the content files on the distribution system.

Conveniently the user terminal is a computer and the means for establishing a connection with the user comprises a connection via a computer network, such as the Internet or any other wide area network or local area network.

Alternatively, the user terminal may be any audio/visual device (such as a television) that is arranged to be connectable to the distribution system.

As a further alternative, the user terminal may be a wireless device (such as a mobile phone or Wi-fi enabled computer) and the means for establishing a connection with the terminal may include a mobile phone network.

Preferably, the content server is associated with a database containing the content files. Conveniently, the content files may comprise one or more of the following file types: audio files, video files, application files (e.g. for games applications). It is therefore noted that the distribution system of the present invention may allow a user to listen to music, to initiate and listen to podcasts, to download film content or to supply television on demand. Such content may be provided to a computer owned by a user or, as noted above, may be supplied to a television or mobile device.

In order to increase the security of the system the first server may additionally require a first time user to register for access to the stored content and for returning users to login to the system on each visit.

Preferably, the system comprises a search engine which allows a user to search content stored on the system and available for distribution. Conveniently, the first server comprises a web page interface and the search engine is provided as a function within the web page. The first server will preferably interact with a contents managing system on the content server in order to provide a user with search results.

The distribution system may conveniently comprise a plurality of content servers each of which is operably connected to the first server. In such an arrangement the search function provided to the user can conveniently search across all the available content servers for content requested by the user. Upon locating the requested content, the first server is arranged to create a link to the content on the relevant content server.

Conveniently, in order to increase the security of the system further, the link provided by the first server to the content on the content server (or one of the content servers for embodiments where there are a plurality of content servers) may hide the content's actual URL address (universal resource address) from the user. For example, the user may be provided by a link represented by an icon or some other type of identifier (e.g. a hyperlink associated with the content's title and author) without any access to the actual address of the content on the content server. As a further alternative the first server may comprise a local storage area and a file streaming engine of its own. Copies of selected content files could then be potentially transferred from the content server to the first server and then streamed to the user from the first server. Such an arrangement may be used in cases of limited bandwidth on the communications link between the first server and content server or alternatively at times of high system usage. In such instances, the link created by the first server would be to the copied version(s) of the content files rather than to the original version(s) of the content on the content server.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of distributing content to a user of a distribution system, the system comprising a first server and a content server operably connected to the first server and arranged to store one or more content files, the method comprising: establishing a connection between the first server and the user at a remotely located user terminal; receiving a request from the user for content stored on the content server; creating a link to the content on the content server and providing the link to the user such that selection of the link by the user in use initiates streaming of the content from the content server to the remotely located terminal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a server for use in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising: means for establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located terminal; means for communicating with a content server storing one or more content files; and means for generating shortcut links to content stored in the distribution system; wherein, in use, the server receives a request from the user for content stored on the content server and generates a link to the content such that selection of the link by the user initiates streaming of the content from the content server to the remotely located user terminal. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a server used in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising means for establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located terminal, means for communicating with a content server storing one or more content files and means for generating shortcut links to content on the content server, the method comprising: establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located user terminal; receiving a request from the user for content stored on the content server; communicating with the content server and generating a link to the content wherein selection of the link by the user in use initiates streaming of the content from the content server to the remotely located user terminal.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a content server for use in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising: one or more content files; means for communicating with a first server, the first server being in further communication with a user at a remotely located terminal; and file streaming means; wherein the content server is arranged to communicate with the first server such that in use a link is set up from the first server to content on the content server, and the file streaming means is arranged to stream the selected content to the remotely located terminal upon selection of the link at the user terminal.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a content server used in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising one or more content files, means for communicating with a first server, the first server being in further communication with a user at a remotely located terminal and file streaming means, the method comprising: receiving a request from the first server to set up a link from the first server to selected content on the content server; and, upon selection of the link at a user terminal streaming the selected content to the remotely located terminal.

It is noted that preferred features relating to the second to sixth aspects of the present invention are described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a seventh aspect the present invention provides a data carrier comprising a computer program arranged to configure a server to implement the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a data carrier comprising a computer program arranged to configure a server to implement the method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention.

According to a further aspect the present invention provides a data carrier comprising a computer program which, when loaded onto a distribution system according to the first aspect of the invention, causes the system to operate according to the method of the second aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will further be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram which illustrates the differences between the prior art mechanisms of file streaming and file downloading;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a general arrangement of the main components of a distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution system according to another embodiment of the present invention in detail; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution system alternative to that shown in Figure 3 according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating how a user interacts with the distribution system of Figure 3.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows two different prior art mechanisms by which a user can access digital content. A database of digital content 1 is connected, e.g. via the Internet, to two different user terminals 3, 5.

In use, the user at terminal 3 accesses the database and downloads a copy of a desired file to the hard drive of his terminal. The media file (e.g. music or video) is then played 9 by accessing a suitable media player on the terminal 3. Note: although a speaker icon is shown in the figure it will be clear to the skilled person that the media file can be of any type and not just an audio file, hi the case of non-audio files, the terminal will select an appropriate application on which to run the file.

The distribution route via terminal 3 has a number of disadvantages. For example, the user has to ensure that terminal 3 has sufficient storage capacity for storing all the files he downloads. Additionally, any file that is downloaded carriers the risk that it contains a virus. The user of terminal 3 therefore will also need to ensure that he has sufficiently up-to-date virus checking software to avoid infection of his PC. For some distribution systems the user of terminal 3 may also experience quality issues with the quality of the downloaded file content.

The owner of the distribution system and the owner of the digital content will also have to contend with the possibility of illegal copying and sharing of content. As noted above certain prior art systems incorporate digital rights management (DRM) measures but these are not always effective.

Figure 1 shows a second prior art distribution mechanism in which the user of terminal 5 "streams" the content he desires directly from the database 1.

File streaming relates to a technique whereby a file can be accessed (e.g. played or viewed) before it is fully transferred to a user. Usually streaming works by transmitting an initial portion of the file (the "buffer") over the internet from a server into one of the user's viewer or player applications. The application begins playback of the file while the remainder of the file arrives from the source.

It is noted that media that is streamed is not actually transferred or downloaded to the user but is accessed in real time by a suitable decoder (within the viewer or player application) on the user's machine. It is further noted that no copy of the "streamed" media file remains on the user's machine once the viewer/player application is closed.

This second distribution method has a number of advantages from the user's point of view and also the point of view of rights owners. As far as the user is concerned, streaming files as opposed to downloading them is generally significantly cheaper. Also, since the file is only being streamed to a local player and there is no actual download of a copy of the file there is no associated risk of viruses entering the user's terminal. The quality of the file content is also of high fidelity. As far as digital rights owners are concerned the fact that the file is only streamed to the user means that the risk of a file being captured and illegally shared is greatly reduced.

In the arrangement depicted in Figure 1 however, there is a risk that a user could attempt to illegally access the database 1 and copy files.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustrating the main components of a content distribution system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a first server 21 which a user 23 is able to access. Access to the first server 21 is via a log in/registration process 24 which provides a first level of security to the system.

The first server 21 is in communication (26) with one or more further servers (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d and generally denoted 25) each of which comprise a store of digital content that the user 23 may wish to access. It is noted that the user 23 does not have direct access to these one or more further servers and they are effectively invisible to him.

The first server 21 acts as an interface between the user 23 and the content servers 25. The server 21 is provided with a search engine linked to the content servers such that the user can search for desired digital content.

Upon selection of the desired content, the first server 21 creates a link to the content of one of the further servers 25a..25d. The user 23 is able to access this link which thereby activates the streaming of the selected content (27) from one of the further servers 25.

The security of the content on the content servers is enhanced by virtue of the fact that these servers are not directly visible to the user 23. Furthermore, the link that is provided to the user 23 by the first server 21 may suppress the actual address (i.e. the universal resource (URL) address) and may be presented pictorially in order to further increase the security of the digital content.

Figure 3 is a more detailed schematic diagram illustrating a distribution system 31 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a web server 33 (the "first server") and a content server 35, the two servers 33 and 35 being in communication with each other. A user terminal 37 is in communication with the web server 33 via a suitable communications network 39 (for example, the user terminal 37 may connect to the web server 33 via the Internet. Alternatively, the components of the system could be located on an Intranet or other wide area network).

It is noted that the distribution system 31 according to the current embodiment of the present invention can comprise a plurality of content servers all linked to the first server 33. For the sake of clarity however, only one content server 35 is shown in Figure 3.

The web server 33 comprises the following components: a website interface 41, a search engine 43, a login/registration module 45, a file streaming engine 47 and a user library 49 all of which are directly accessible to a user entering the website. The server additionally comprises a file handler 51 and shortcut generator 53, which are held on a secure portion of the server 33 such that users do not have access.

The content server comprises a database 55 of content files (e.g. audio or visual files), a database manager 57 and a content manager 59.

The user terminal 37 comprises a browser application 61 and communication means 63 (e.g. broadband Internet connection).

In use, the user accesses the website 41 of the web server 33 via the Internet 39. The login/registration module 45 on the web server 33 requires the user to either register for the content distribution service if they are a new user or alternatively log in to an existing account.

The search engine 43 on the web server 33 is in communication with the content manager 59 on the content server 35. Once logged into the distribution service therefore, the user may use the search engine 43 to search for digital content that they wish to access. Once the user has located content that he wishes to access, the file handler 51 notifies the database manager 57 within the content server 35. The URL address information relating to the digital content is then passed from the database manager 57 to a shortcut generator 53 on the web server 33 which generates a link back to the digital content. The link is then placed in a user library 49 that the user can access via the website 41. It is noted that the user library 49 contains details of any content (a content list 50) that the user may have previously accessed and to which they have current access rights. It is noted that the links to the digital content will generally be in the form of one or more icons (71a, 71b, 71c) which are presented in the website 41 interface which is displayed on the user terminal 37.

Once the user has finished selecting content, he is able to stream his chosen files merely by clicking on the content links contained within the user library 49. Clicking on a link in this way initiates a connection between the content server 35 to the user terminal 37. The content is then streamed from the content server via the Internet connection 39 to the user terminal 37. This connection is depicted by the dotted lines 65a and 65b in Figure 3.

It is noted that the user does not have direct access to the content server 35. Access to the digital content stored within the content server 35 is via the shortcut links generated and stored on the web server 33 only. The content server is also protected against unauthorised access by a firewall (not shown).

Streaming of content to the user terminal 37 initiates a suitable media player a apppplliiccaattiioonn 6677 ( (ee..gg.. M Miiccrroossooft Media Player ™ or WINamp ™) on the terminal 37 which can play the content.

In order to increase the security of the system further, the first server 33 can hide the URL addresses of the selected content from the user. Instead, the server 33 can provide an icon (e.g. a pictorial representation of the file) for the user to select. In the arrangement described above the content files reside on the second server, the content server 35. Since the content is streamed to the user there is no file capture and therefore the risk of illegal copying and sharing by users of the system is reduced.

It is noted that multiple users can stream the same content from the content server 35 at once. However, to mitigate against heavy demand for certain content, the files could be replicated on the server or alternatively could be replicated on further content servers.

The first server 33 may additionally comprise a local storage area 69. In the event of limited bandwidth between the content server 35 and the first server 33, content files may be transferred (by file transfer protocol, ftp) to the first server 33 and streamed to the user via the streaming engine 47. The transferred files would only be stored locally on a temporary basis and the storage area available per user may be limited, e.g. to around 50 Mb.

The local storage area 69 may also be potentially used in the event of an excessive number of users accessing the distribution system at once.

It is to be appreciated that the detail components of the distribution system 31 of this embodiment can be provided in the system shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a similar distribution system embodying the present invention to the one depicted in Figure 3. Like numerals have been used to denote like features between Figures 3 and 4 and the operation of the distribution system is as described in relation to Figure 3 for these features.

In Figure 4, the user is not connected to the distribution system via a PC connected to the Internet. Instead, the user has a wireless mobile device 73 which is in contact with a mobile telephone network via a base station 75. The base station 75 is connected via the Internet (or other suitable network) to the distribution system 31 thereby allowing the user of the mobile device 73 to access content, e.g. video or music on demand, from the content distribution system.

As in Figure 3 the links to the digital content will be in the form of icons (71a, 71b, 71c) which will be displayed on the mobile device (see expanded view 72 of the mobile device).

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the various stages of user interaction with the system between a user logging onto the content distribution system and the streaming of digital content.

A user wishing to access content will initially connect to the distribution system via the website (feature 41 in Figures 3 and 4) on the first server (step 80). The system will then prompt the user to either login or if they are not a registered user of the system to register for services (step 82).

Existing users of the system will enter their login details comprising a unique username and password via a log-in page (step 84). The user will then be taken to an options page (Denoted by the dashed box 86).

New users will be taken to a registration page (step 88) where they will be prompted to enter their contact details and optionally their payment details. As an alternative, the system may be set up so as to prompt for payment details only once content has been requested.

Following registration, the system will provide the new user with their unique username and password. The system will then either take the newly registered user to the login page (step 84) or alternatively straight to the options page (step 86).

The options page (box 86) presents the user with two options. The user may select either a search database option (step 90), which allows the database of content on the content database to be searched, or a search pre-selected files option (step 92), which allows the user to search for content that they have previously requested/accessed.

It is noted that in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the content files in the database of the content server are categorised according to subject matter or other suitable taxonomy such as genre, style, artist etc. The outcome of any search will be displayed on the web page running on the user's terminal.

Following a search of the database (i.e. step 90) the user may select content that he desires to access. A new file request (step 94) is then sent by the first server to the content server and a link (i.e. a shortcut hyperlink) to the selected content on the content server is created by the shortcut generator (step 96) on the first server. The link that is created is added to the user's current content list (see feature 50 which is stored in the user library 49 as shown in Figures 3 and 4).

At this stage, the user may return back to the options page (86) to continue with a further search or alternatively may access the link created by the shortcut generator (step 98). Selecting the link will initiate the streaming of the content file to the media player on the user's terminal (step 100).

It is noted that the link to the content generated in the above process is also added to a list of content previously accessed by the user. This list (or "personal entertainment library") will be stored on the first server (see feature 50 in Figures 3 and 4).

The alternative option presented by the options page (86) is therefore to search the list of previously selected/accessed content (step 92). Any of the links contained within this pre-selected list may be accessed by the user according to step 98 described above.

The link created by the shortcut generator (step 96) will generally be in the form of an icon (e.g. bitmap picture file) which is displayed in the list of user selected content on the website (see icons 71a, 71b, 71c in Figures 3 and 4). As noted above the user will not be able to determine the URL address of the content stored on the content server from the icon.

The distribution system according to the current embodiment of the present invention may facilitate the saving of the icons created in the above process to a database on the user's terminal. However, in order to access the content the user would have to be registered with the website and logged on.

It is noted that the step of accessing a link (step 98) may be followed by a request for payment from the distribution system in order to access the content server. However, as noted above the system may store payment details which can be collected during the registration process (step 88).

As an alternative to selecting icons from the webpage displayed by the distribution system the user may alternatively "drag and drop" icons directly into a media player of their choice.

For a user accessing the distribution system, via an Internet enabled PC, the various stages of the process may be summarised as follows:

1) Navigate browser to website of the content distribution system;

2) Enter user name and password;

3) User is presented with their personal entertainment library that records and stores the links to any media content that they have previously accessed;

4) User selects from PEL (Go to stage 7) or alternatively searches and selects new content from the database (Go to stage 5);

5) User selects tracks found in database search and adds them to their PEL;

6) User is returned to search screen and given option to continue searching or to go back to their PEL; and

7) User opts to select content from their PEL and clicks on content links to initiate streaming to their media player. Alternatively, user drags links directly to their media player. It will be understood by the skilled person that various modifications are possible to the above described example of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, to prevent the sharing of a single login and password account amongst several users the system could be configured to require that the MAC address of the requesting PC (i.e. the unique address of the PC) be assigned as part of the user's account details. In order to access content the system could then check to ensure the MAC address matches the stored address.

As noted above, the present invention is not limited to personal computers. For example, the present invention could be applied to wireless communications devices (e.g. mobile phones) and also to internet-enabled televisions. Television programmes and films could be provided by the system according to the present invention from a library of stored video files.

It is further noted that in the case of a plurality of content servers being available to a user, different content servers could be owned by different content providers. Furthermore, the content servers could relate to different types of content, e.g. video, audio, games software etc.

Claims

1. A distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the system comprising: a first server comprising means for establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located user terminal; and a content server operably connected to the first server and arranged to store one or more content files; wherein upon receipt of a request from the user for content stored on the content server the first server creates a link to the content on the content server such that upon selection of the link by the user in use the requested content streams from the content server to the user terminal.

2. A distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user terminal is a computer and the means for establishing a connection with the user comprises a connection via a computer network.

3. A distribution system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the computer network is the internet.

4. A distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user terminal is a wireless communications device and the means for establishing a connection with the user comprises a connection via a mobile telephone network.

5. A distribution system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the content server comprises a database for storing the one or more content files.

6. A distribution system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the content files comprise one or more of the following: audio files, video files, games applications.

7. A distribution system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein access to the first server by the user is subject to a registration and/or login procedure.

8. A distribution system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first server further comprises search means to allow a user to search content stored on the content server.

9. A distribution system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises one or more further content servers, each of which is operably connected to the first server and each of which is arranged to store one or more content files wherein, upon receipt of a request for content from the user, the first server is arranged to create a link to one of the content servers such that, upon selection of the link by the user in use the content streams from the selected content storing server to the user terminal.

10. A distribution system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the link created on the first server to content stored on a content server does not reveal the address of the content on the content server to the user terminal.

11. A distribution system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the link is provided at the user terminal in the form of a pictorial icon.

12. A distribution system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first server additionally comprises a local storage database and file streaming means such that the first server is arranged to store a copy of the user requested content in the local storage database and stream said content to the user.

13. A method of distributing content to a user of a distribution system, the system comprising a first server and a content server operably connected to the first server and arranged to store one or more content files, the method comprising: establishing a connection between the first server and the user at a remotely located user terminal; receiving a request from the user for content stored on the content server; creating a link to the content on the content server and providing the link to the user such that selection of the link by the user in use initiates streaming of the content from the content server to the remotely located terminal.

14. A method of distributing content as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a log in and registration process to provide user access to the first server prior to the receiving step.

15. A method of distributing content as claimed in either of claims 13 or 14 in which the system further comprises one or more further content servers each of which is operably connected to the first server and each of which stores one or more content files, wherein the receiving step comprises receiving the request from the user for content on a specified one of the content servers, and the creating step comprises generating and providing a link to the requested content such that selection of the link by the user in use streams the requested content from the selected content server to the user terminal.

16. A method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the creating step comprises generating the link to the requested content which does not reveal the address of the requested content to the user terminal.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the providing step comprises providing the link to the user terminal in the form of an icon.

18. A server for use in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising: means for establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located user, terminal; means for communicating with a content server storing one or more content files; and means for generating shortcut links to content stored in the distribution system; wherein, in use, the server receives a request from the user for content stored on the content server and generates a link to the content such that selection of the link by the user initiates streaming of the content from the content server to the remotely located user terminal.

19. A server as claimed in claim 18, wherein the server comprise means requiring a user to register and login before accessing content on the content server.

20. A server as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21, further comprising means for communicating with one or more further content servers, each of which is arranged to store one or more content files wherein the server is arranged, upon receipt of a request for content from the user, to generate a link to one of the content servers such that, upon selection of the link by the user, content streams from the selected content storing server to the user terminal.

21. A server as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein means for generating shortcut links is arranged to generate links to the content on the content server which does not reveal the address of that content to the user terminal.

22. A server as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the means for generating shortcut links is arranged to generate a link to the user in the form of a pictorial icon.

23. A server as claimed in any of claims 18 to 22, further comprising a local storage database and file streaming means such that the server is arranged to store a copy of the user requested content in the local storage database and stream such content to the user.

24. A method of operating a server used in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising means for establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located terminal, means for communicating with a content server storing one or more content files and means for generating shortcut links to content on the content server, the method comprising: establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located user terminal; receiving a request from the user for content stored on the content server; communicating with the content server and generating a link to the content wherein selection of the link by the user in use initiates streaming of the content from the content server to the remotely located user terminal.

25. A method of operating a server as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a register and login procedure to provide the user access to the server before accessing content on the content server.

26. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to 25, further comprising communicating with one or more further content servers, each of which is arranged to store one or more content files wherein, the receiving step comprises receiving the request for content from the user, and the generating step comprises generating a link to one of the content servers such that, upon selection of the link in use, the user can stream content from the selected content storing server.

27. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the generating step comprises generating the link to the content on the content server which does not reveal the address of that content to the user terminal.

28. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the generating step comprises generating the link in the form of a pictorial icon to be presented to the user terminal.

29. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to 28, further comprising storing a copy of the user requested content in a local storage database and streaming the same to the user.

30. A content server for use in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising: one or more content files; means for communicating with a first server, the first server being in further communication with a user at a remotely located terminal; file streaming means; wherein the content server is arranged to communicate with the first server such that in use a link is set up from the first server to content on the content server, and the file streaming means is arranged to stream selected content to the remotely located terminal upon selection of the link at the user terminal.

31. A content server as claimed in claim 30, further comprising a database for storing the one or more content files.

32. A content server as claimed in either of claims 30 or 31, wherein the content files comprise one or more of the following file types: audio files, video files games applications.

33. A content server as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 32, further comprising content management means arranged in use to provide details of the content contained on the server to a search means on the first server.

34. A method of operating a content server used in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising one or more content files, means for communicating with a first server, the first server being in further communication with a user at a remotely located terminal and file streaming means, the method comprising: receiving a request from the first server to set up a link from the first server to selected content on the content server; and upon selection of the link at a user terminal, streaming the selected content to the remotely located terminal.

35. A method as claimed in claim 34, further comprising storing one or more content files in a database.

36. A method as claimed in either of claims 34 or 35, wherein the content files comprise one or more of the following file types: audio files, video files games applications.

37. A data carrier comprising a computer program arranged to configure a server to implement the method according to any one of claims 24 to 29.

38. A data carrier comprising a computer program arranged to configure a server to implement the method according to any one of claims 34 to 36.

39. A data carrier comprising a computer program which, when loaded onto a distribution system according to claims 1 to 12, causes the system to operate according to the method of any one of claims 13 to 17.