Cascade Watch set out to deliver a next-generation interactive video experience but needed a more resilient streaming foundation to support large audiences without playback interruption. ASCENDING designed and implemented an AWS-native failover and delivery architecture that improved continuity, scale, and operational confidence.
Background
Cascade Watch is a technology startup focused on blending storytelling, streaming, gaming interactivity, and social engagement for brand-driven audience experiences. As demand expectations increased, the team selected AWS as its cloud platform to modernize stream delivery and reduce operational fragility.
The existing environment needed stronger reliability and elasticity while preserving the current client application design and endpoint behavior.
The Challenge
Cascade Watch needed to increase stream resilience without forcing disruptive client-side changes or introducing visible downtime during source transitions.
- A live stream source outage had to trigger seamless failover fast enough to avoid noticeable user impact.
- Playback quality needed to remain stable before, during, and after source switching.
- The architecture had to integrate with an already finished client application and fixed endpoint assumptions.
- The platform needed to scale for larger audience sizes while remaining cost-conscious and operationally manageable.
Why ASCENDING
Cascade Watch selected ASCENDING for deep AWS delivery expertise and practical experience implementing high-availability cloud architectures for production workloads. As an AWS Advanced Tier partner, ASCENDING provided a path to strengthen resilience without overhauling the business-critical client experience.
ASCENDING also aligned technical design with operational governance by enabling service-state monitoring and notifications, giving stakeholders clearer visibility into stream health.
The Solution
ASCENDING implemented a resilient AWS media pipeline using native source failover in AWS Elemental MediaConnect and global distribution through CloudFront, while preserving the client-side integration model.
- Cascade Watch configured two identical SRT input sources into AWS Elemental MediaConnect as primary and backup feeds.
- MediaConnect source failover was enabled to switch automatically when input loss exceeded 500ms, reducing disruption during partial outages.
- AWS Elemental MediaLive processed the stream and produced HLS outputs suitable for downstream delivery.
- CloudFront distributed content through a fixed alias endpoint, routing viewers to optimal edges by location without requiring client-side endpoint changes.
- The end-to-end managed AWS chain provided resilient scaling and integrated service notifications for better operational oversight.
The Outcome
Cascade Watch established a stronger live-streaming foundation that improved reliability and scalability while protecting its existing product experience.
- Reduced the risk of visible downtime during source interruptions with automated failover.
- Preserved client application compatibility by keeping endpoint behavior stable through CloudFront aliasing.
- Improved readiness for larger audience volumes with a managed, resilient AWS delivery architecture.
- Enabled better service observability through customizable cloud notifications and monitoring.
