Using virtual domain name service (DNS) zones for enterprise content delivery

A method of content delivery involving a first entity and a second entity, comprising:

• having each of the first and second entities operate an enterprise content delivery network (ECDN) behind an enterprise firewall, wherein each of the first and second entities has a private namespace that is not resolvable through public Internet DNS;
• deploying a first relay within the first entity;
• deploying a second relay within the second entity;
• having the first entity delegate to the second entity responsibility for managing a virtual zone associated with the private namespace of the first entity;
• and
• in response to a request generated by an end user in the second entity, the request being associated with the virtual zone, retrieving a private object published by the first entity.

A method of content delivery, comprising:

• having an entity establish an enterprise content delivery network (ECDN) behind an enterprise firewall, wherein the entity has a private namespace that is not resolvable through public Internet DNS;
• having the entity receive a delegation of responsibility for managing a virtual zone associated with a private namespace of a second entity, wherein the second entity is distinct from the entity, and wherein the entity receives the delegation from the second entity;
• and
• in response to a request generated by an end user behind the enterprise firewall in the entity, the request being associated with the virtual zone, having the entity retrieve a private object published by the second entity.