System and method for distributing contents from a child server based on a client's current location

Abstract

In a distribution system for distributing contents (procedures or data) to a plurality of clients, there are provided a novel distribution system, distribution method, and program product therefor, by which the load on the parent server or the network connected with the parent server can be alleviated and automatic changeover of the distributing server in accordance with fluctuating distribution requests and alleviation of the load on the distribution system manager and users can be achieved. In a distribution system having a parent serverand a plurality of child servers, these being arranged to be capable of connection with a plurality of clientsthrough communication circuits, the parent serverselects a child serverthat holds the contents whose distribution is requested and that is closest to a clientoriginating a distribution request by using the received position information of clientand identification information of the contents and communicates to the clientoriginating the distribution request, so that the selected child serverdistributes the contents whose distribution is requested in response to the request from the clientoriginating the distribution request.