A Streaming server is a special media server designed to stream media files, and includes such server brands as Real's Helix Streaming Server and Apple's Quicktime Streaming Server. The CIT has a Helix Streaming Server capable of serving Real, Windows Media, and QuickTime streaming files used for UCSF academic instruction.

A Web server is designed to serve primarily web pages but can also serve other file types, such as web video (though as non-streaming downloads).

UCSF Faculty with WebCT courses can create links within WebCT that point to streaming files stored on the CIT's Helix Streaming Server. Alternately, UCSF Faculty can store non-streaming media files in their courses on the WebCT server, and make links directly to them.