What Is Internet Content Adaptation Protocol (ICAP)?

You're probably familiar with the concept of a proxy server. If not, it's a machine that sits between your computer and the internet and routes your traffic to your desired destination. The Internet Content Adaptation Protocol (ICAP) is a lightweight protocol providing straightforward object-based content vectoring for HTTP services. ICAP is used to extend transparent proxy servers; it frees up resources and standardizes implementing new features. It uses a cache to proxy all client transactions. It processes the transactions using ICAP Web servers, designed for specific functions such as virus scanning, content translation, content filtering or ad insertion. ICAP is a content manipulation protocol that makes websites more accessible to users with disabilities. It works by listening in on HTTP requests, and if it detects that the request is for a page that requires some level of adaptation, it will make changes to the response before sending it back to the client. It allows sites to automatically update without needing constant maintenance from developers or IT staff members. But how does ICAP fit into this? Well, ICAP isn't just any proxy server—it's an "ICAP-aware" one! ICAP is a lightweight protocol that provides straightforward object-based content vectoring for HTTP services. By using ICAP to extend transparent proxy servers, we can free up resources and standardize the implementation of new features. It lets us focus on what matters most: ensuring our clients' content is safe, secure and ready for prime time! What if you could eat your cake and have it too? What if you could get the benefits of a Web server without having to pay for all the overhead? What if you could have your cake and eat it too? The Internet Content Adaptation Protocol (ICAP) is a protocol that can help you do just that. By leveraging caches and proxies, ICAP can off-load value-added services from Web servers while still allowing them to scale using raw HTTP throughput.