hodama.lk case study

Hodama.lk is Sri Lanka’s premier online learning platform, often referred to as the local equivalent of Udemy. The platform offers a diverse array of courses, empowering learners to acquire new skills and knowledge from experts in various fields. Initially built on WooCommerce with page-restricted plugins to function as a custom LMS, Hodama.lk has now transitioned to a modern tech stack powered by Ghost CMS for a seamless content management experience. This evolution includes fully managed subscriptions with Stripe, DRM-protected video streaming via Bunny.net, and an auto-scalable AWS architecture to ensure reliability and performance.

The Challenge
As a growing online learning platform, Hodama.lk faced several challenges with its initial setup. The WooCommerce and plugin-based LMS was functional but lacked the flexibility and scalability required to support the platform’s expansion. The architecture struggled with traffic spikes during popular course launches, resulting in performance bottlenecks.

Moreover, managing subscriptions and protecting video content were critical needs. The platform needed a more streamlined solution to handle subscriptions securely while ensuring premium course content was protected against unauthorized access. Hodama.lk required a scalable, high-performance infrastructure and advanced features to cater to its growing user base.

Our Approach
To meet these challenges, we devised a comprehensive strategy centered on modernizing Hodama.lk’s infrastructure and functionality. This involved migrating to Ghost CMS, integrating advanced subscription management and video protection, and building a robust cloud-based architecture.

Migration to Ghost CMS
Ghost CMS was chosen for its simplicity, performance, and focus on content-driven platforms.

  • The transition allowed for a cleaner, faster, and more scalable content management system, improving the overall user experience for both course creators and learners.
  • The platform’s UI was reimagined to provide intuitive navigation and easy access to courses, with a modern, responsive design optimized for mobile and desktop users.

Subscription Management with Stripe
To handle subscriptions efficiently, Stripe was integrated as the primary payment gateway.

  • This provided secure and seamless subscription management, supporting recurring payments and offering users multiple payment options.
  • The integration enabled Hodama.lk to offer flexible pricing models, such as one-time purchases, monthly subscriptions, and tiered memberships.

Video Protection with Bunny.net DRM
To safeguard premium course content, Bunny.net’s DRM-protected video streaming API was implemented.

  • The DRM protection ensures that video content cannot be downloaded or shared illegally, maintaining the integrity and exclusivity of the platform’s offerings.
  • Bunny.net’s global content delivery network (CDN) ensures fast, high-quality streaming for users across Sri Lanka and beyond.

AWS Auto-Scalable Architecture
To support Hodama.lk’s growing user base, we built a cloud infrastructure using AWS with auto-scaling capabilities.

  • Auto-scaling ensures that the platform can handle traffic spikes during popular course launches without compromising performance.
  • AWS services, including Elastic Load Balancing and scalable storage solutions, provide reliability, security, and cost efficiency.

The Results
The migration to a modern tech stack and the integration of advanced features delivered remarkable improvements for Hodama.lk:

  • Enhanced User Experience: Ghost CMS’s clean and intuitive interface significantly improved usability, making it easier for learners to browse and enroll in courses.
  • Efficient Subscription Management: Stripe integration streamlined payments and subscriptions, increasing conversion rates and reducing payment-related issues.
  • Content Security: DRM-protected video streaming ensured that premium course content was secure, boosting creator confidence and attracting more instructors to the platform.
  • Scalability and Performance: The AWS architecture allowed the platform to handle significant traffic surges seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted service during high-demand periods.
  • Improved Streaming Quality: Bunny.net’s CDN provided fast, reliable video delivery, enhancing the learning experience for users.

Conclusion
Hodama.lk’s transformation showcases the power of modern technology in building a scalable and secure online learning platform. By migrating to Ghost CMS, integrating Stripe for subscriptions, and implementing Bunny.net DRM for video protection, the platform now offers a seamless and secure learning experience. Combined with AWS’s scalable infrastructure, Hodama.lk is well-positioned to grow as Sri Lanka’s go-to platform for online education, empowering learners and educators alike.

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