Background
Enthusiast Gaming (EG) is one of the largest content networks on the web, providing key information platforms for a vast portion of the video gaming community. As a NASDAQ-listed company with the tagline “Gamers live here,” EG operates a complex ad placement system driven by a bidding process. Unlike traditional Demand Side Platforms (DSPs), EG utilizes a Supply Side Platform (SSP) to coordinate and manage the supply and distribution of ad inventories across their numerous websites.
Solution
Rollout IT has been integral to the development of EG’s advert management system, the ATOM Dashboard. A Rollout developer has been embedded with EG’s ad tech team for over a year, focusing on advancing the functionality and robustness of this system. The ATOM Dashboard streamlines the ad placement process, making it more efficient and scalable.
Objectives
The primary objectives were to:
- Enhance the ATOM Dashboard to improve ad placement efficiency.
- Integrate DevOps practices to streamline operations and support.
- Ensure the system’s scalability and robustness.
Progress
The project has made significant progress since its inception. Initially, the focus was on understanding the existing infrastructure and identifying areas for improvement. Over the past year, the Rollout developer has implemented several key features and optimizations. Notable advancements include:
- Improved ad bidding algorithms.
- Enhanced user interface for better usability.
- Integration of advanced analytics to monitor ad performance.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges in developing the ATOM Dashboard was managing the ripple effects of changes. Adjusting one component of the system often impacted other parts, requiring thorough testing and validation. Additionally, the robust and cloud-supported infrastructure presented opportunities for growth, particularly in DevOps. The evolving industry trend of developers becoming more involved in operations was both a challenge and an area for professional development.
Tech Stack
The technology stack for this project includes:
- Kubernetes for container orchestration.
- Laravel and PHP for backend development.
- Vue.js for frontend development.
- AWS for cloud services and infrastructure.
Client Interaction
Regular interaction with EG has been maintained through demo sessions, feedback loops, weekly status updates, and review meetings. This transparent and collaborative approach ensured that both technical and business needs were addressed promptly. The relationship between the teams has been positive and productive, fostering a strong partnership.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of the ATOM Dashboard for Enthusiast Gaming marks a significant advancement in ad management technology. By addressing the complexities of ad placement and the challenges of system interdependencies, the ATOM Dashboard stands out as a pioneering solution in the ad tech industry.
As Enthusiast Gaming continues to evolve and expand its digital presence, the ATOM Dashboard, supported by Rollout IT, will play a crucial role in streamlining operations, enhancing ad efficiency, and ultimately driving the company’s growth. The successful integration of DevOps practices and the collaborative efforts of the dedicated team have set a new standard for ad management systems in the gaming industry.