As the digital era evolves, businesses are seeking innovative ways to enhance customer interactions. One such tool gaining traction is the URL shortening service, which not only improves user convenience but also strengthens brand influence. At our company, we are actively developing a URL shortening service based on Google Cloud. This initiative aims to provide commercial users with a robust platform that integrates seamlessly with enterprise management systems.


Practical Applications of Short URLs

Short URLs have diverse applications, especially in SMS messaging and QR codes. For example:

  • When a QR code is blurry or fails to scan, a short URL enables users to manually enter the link and quickly access the designated page.
  • URLs like acml.ws/123 or cml.red/123 can direct customers to payment pages or detailed order information efficiently.

This approach resolves common technical challenges in physical business operations, making customer interactions faster and more reliable.


Technical Overview

The service leverages modern web development frameworks and cloud infrastructure to ensure scalability, security, and ease of use:

  1. Frontend:
    • Built with the Angular framework to allow users to manage short URLs (create, update, delete) through an intuitive interface.
    • Hosted on Firebase Hosting for enhanced stability and effortless scalability.
  2. Backend:
    • Backend APIs, developed and hosted on Cloud Run using a serverless architecture, handle core business logic and security.
    • A C#-based controller deployed in Cloud Run containers manages redirections by retrieving original URLs from a Cloud SQL database based on path parameters (e.g., /123).

This architecture ensures a fast, flexible system suitable for large-scale commercial deployment.


Use Cases in Real-World Scenarios

The versatility of short URLs enables numerous practical applications, including:

  • Business Cards:
    • Space limitations on cards can be addressed by using QR codes and short URLs (e.g., cml.red/i) for users to access detailed information.
  • Promotional Materials:
    • Incorporating short URLs in advertisements or brochures allows customers to quickly access online content, even in offline scenarios.

These solutions improve the customer experience and streamline interactions, offering a significant advantage in physical and digital marketing efforts.


Development Timeline and Future Plans

The development of this URL shortening service is expected to be completed within a week. Once launched, we plan to evaluate the possibility of open-sourcing the project. By sharing this technology, we aim to empower developers and small-to-medium enterprises with an efficient and flexible tool.

While the technology itself is not overly complex, its practical application provides immense value by addressing common business challenges. This project showcases our ability to innovate by applying straightforward technologies to solve real-world problems effectively.


Enhancing Business Capabilities

This URL shortening service is more than just a technical project; it reflects our commitment to delivering productized solutions that drive value for businesses. By providing a service that enhances customer interaction and simplifies operational processes, we aim to empower enterprises to build stronger brands and better customer relationships.

We look forward to unveiling this service soon and continuing to explore new ways to bring innovation to the digital landscape.